About us
Who are AutismAble?
Hello… we are AutismAble! A service for neurodivergent people specialising in autism, learning disabilities and additional needs. The majority of our members are young adults, but our services are open to anyone over the age of 13.
Everything we do is about valuing and supporting neurodivergent people, and their families and carers. We are ambitious for our members and empower them to have a voice in society.
What we offer
We have four sites based across South Tyneside, North Tyneside, and Sunderland. We also have links with Sea Change Café and WEAR, which both provide real-life work experience for our members. We offer a range of pathways which cover things like:
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Personalised life-long learning
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Support for independent living
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Preparation for adulthood
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Employment skills and experience
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Performing arts
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Digital skills
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Health and wellbeing
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Friendships and socialising
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Accessing the community
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Confidence and self-esteem
Our Mission
To enable, empower and enrich
Our team
Our dedicated staff are committed to helping our members achieve their full potential. Members are supported by staff every step of the way to learn new skills, independence, and social situations.
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Andrew Coiley
Creative Youth Coordinator -
Adam Cowley
Youth and Outreach Mentor -
Freya Farrell-Forster
Learning & Development Mentor -
Billy Gofton
Learning & Development Mentor
Some of our recent testimonials
What we believe
- People are mostly disabled by society, not their inherent characteristics (the social model of disability).
- People with autism are capable of far more than society (including many professionals) has previously expected of them.
- Many autistic people can do more than they believe. They have often been affected by people around them having low aspirations for them.
- People with autism should be expected to learn and develop as people. BUT this is not the same as having to change because others can’t cope with a person as they are.