Autism group’s remarkable journey to their 10th anniversary
1 June 2025
A small group making a big difference has marked a decade of support.
Autism Eileanan Siar started with very low membership figures and now supports up to 50 families, indicating a vital need for its services.
Nothing of its kind existed locally and parents and carers of autistic children were often struggling to find support and advice.
The inspirational group has broadened its scope beyond autism to include support for other additional needs, adapting to changing needs over the years particularly as the children they assisted in the early period are now young adults.
Initially aimed at organising a regular get-
► Successful launch for cafe staffed by young people with learning disabilities
► Autism Eilean Siar fun sessions
Autism Eileanan Siar was set up in 2105 by Cathy Anne Dunn and Donald Maclean and formally registered as a Scottish charity.
The first committee which included Annemarie Mackay and Richard Foggart held monthly support meetings for parents and adults in Newton Ward Community Hall.
Three years later and a new committee was formed with Donna Shearsmith chair, Claire Morris, vice chair, Annemarie Mackay, secretary, and Lynne Smith treasurer, aiming to develop its reach and services.
Perseverance and determined efforts brought them to where it is today -
Committee members are all parents themselves with busy family responsibilities yet took on the extra duty of not just establishing monthly fun sessions but also embarking on fundraising efforts to purchase a substantial number of aids, toys and equipment for the youngsters to use. Seasonal activities and holiday outings and events are also funded by the charity.
Teenager groups are also run to aid individual needs and abilities.
In 2023, new ground was broken with the launch of Càirdean, an inclusive pop-
The committee are modest about their achievements but many parents are full of praise and enthusiasm when they see the rewarding outcome for their offspring.
“If it wasn’t for Autism Eileanan Siar they wouldn’t have been given this opportunity,” said one mum.
Another highlighted: “The committee have all worked so hard to bring something that's well thought of, well constructed and super supportive. I've never seen a charity so focused on individual needs as well as across the board. It’s very inclusive, it's not just about the supply of charity support. It's so supportive, it's a family in its own right.
“Everyone the group supports feels well catered for and I strongly believe there is hardly any charities that can claim to do so. The group is very well advertised and has a great standing in the community. Stand proud of this great group. I cannot wait to see the future of this amazing group.”
A third parent pointed out how much of a “lovely” group it is to attend and meet other parents who have children with ASN.
“It can be very isolating within a community having a child with autism and/or additional support needs. This group provides a safe, relaxed and nurturing space for parents to meet up with other parents and not worry how their children will behave in a group setting in public.
“The Autism Eilean Siar group regularly buys new equipment and toys for the children and will ask parents if they would like anything specific for their child to use or play with.
“It's a great group to be involved with and as a parent it's such comfort to know this is accessible within our local community.”
Donna Shearsmith, chair, said: “We have young adults who joined the group as young children and now they are adults so it was a priority to introduce something that would benefit them throughout their adult years.
“We introduced Càirdean to give the opportunity for individuals to volunteer working
in a fully functioning café environment learning life skills, develop their social
skills and build independence in a non-
She added: “We continue to adapt as the numbers of services users grow throughout our groups, that’s something that we will always do to progress forward and support as needs change.
“I speak on behalf of all of the committee that it is a pleasure to run Autism Eileanan Siar and all the groups within it.
“The committee are dedicated to aiding individuals giving them the same opportunities as everyone else just set up in an appropriate way.
“When we see children enjoying activities, events and most importantly being themselves, it makes all the hours put in so worth it.”
Ms Shearsmith added: “We have reached a milestone that is, quite an achievement given Autism Eileanan Siar is a parent lead independent charity but the ground work was set by Cathy Anne Dunn and Donald Maclean, we have used their building blocks to keep growing the charity and offer what we do so we are very grateful to them.”
The charity marked the anniversary with a celebration fun session in Sandwick Hall
with bouncy castle, music, cake and new resources to explore for its younger members
and their parents and at Càirdean the pop-
Donna Shearsmith highlighted the charity is very well supported in the Western Isles.
“We are extremely grateful to all who support us, from the general public to local businesses and organisations.
“We wanted to give back this support and felt an appropriate way was to donate a box of ASN resources to all schools in the Western Isles. Resources have been purchased and will be delivered to all schools as soon as possible which we hope will aid schools and their pupils.”
Autism Eileanan Siar committee celebrate with cake
The group also celebrated at a recent fun session
Fun sessions are enjoyed by many
Marking the first ten years
