Here is a round-up of information and news for March 2026.
Latest News
Adult Autism Online Peer Support Group
March Meeting
Sheffield Autistic Society is hosting an online support group each month. For autistic adults 18+ only – we will meet online over Zoom.
The next session of this monthly group will be on Thursday 26 March from 7pm until 8.30pm:
Everyone welcome – new members too!
Please contact Helen for more information at helen.purdie@hotmail.co.uk and she will send you the joining details if you wish to come along and let you have a copy of the group guidelines which set out what to expect at the meetings which are friendly and supportive. No pressure to join in the conversation or have your camera on!
Autism/Neurodiverse Friendly Jewellery Making Workshops
One of our lovely members, Ilia from IC Jewellery, has developed a series of workshops which are autism friendly.
Learn to make your own silver pendant jewellery from precious metal clay.
You will be shown how to sculpt, fire and clean the clay into a beautiful piece of jewellery of your own creation.
Pendants come with a choice of 20-inch sterling silver chain.
Course starts at £40 per person.
You can work at your own pace,
Taught in small groups
Plenty of opportunity for frequent breaks,
Awareness of any sensory sensitivities (earphones provided)
Refreshments provided
Experienced tutor with lived experience
The venue is a cosy studio in The Workstation which is convenient for buses and trains.
To book contact Ilia at www.icjewellerycrafts.com/book-online
Autisitica – Pioneering Autism Research
Autistica is the UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity.
Our mission is to create breakthroughs that enable autistic people to live happier, healthier, longer lives.
We do this by funding research, shaping policy and working with autistic people to make more of a difference.
We were founded in 2004 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, whose son Giles was autistic.
We believe research is essential for creating breakthroughs so all autistic people can live happy, healthy and long lives.
We carry out research based on the priorities of autistic people, on the issues that matter the most to them. Our research projects help us reach our visionary and ambitious 2030 Goals.
Reform of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system
The National Autistic Society has responded as follows:
www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/news/our-response-to-send-reform-rumours
Autisitica has responded as follows:
www.autistica.org.uk/news/new-send-reforms
Parent Carer Forum Information Sessions
Over the next few weeks there are sessions on:
Dads Chalk and Talk
Understanding sensory needs
Neurodivergence and eating
Coffee and Chat
For full information of places and times etc and to book any event please click on the link Events | Sheffield Parent Carer Forum
Research Study
Are you interested in the way different neurotypes communicate?
Do you want to get involved in some psychology research?
I’m a PhD student at Sheffield Hallam University and am conducting a study looking at the way autistic adults communicate.
I’m looking for both autistic and non-autistic participants. The study will take place in person and will take about an hour. To recognise their contribution, all participants will receive a £20 Love2Shop Voucher.
To find out more, please contact the researcher, Liz Roscoe, at E.Roscoe@shu.ac.uk, or just follow the QR code:
If you have questions or concerns regarding the study, then please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you very much for reading this and I hope to hear from you!
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