Our Impact

64% of young people in Spectrum Gaming tell us they can’t access any other social spaces, and that we’re the only place they feel able to engage with at all.

In 2026, autistic young people need support now more than ever.

Public conversations have increasingly focused on the ‘cost’ of autism rather than the real challenges autistic people face. With over 224,000 people waiting for an autism assessment as of March 2025 (more than the population of Plymouth!), many young people are left without access to vital services until they receive a diagnosis. These delays are putting autistic young people at serious risk, contributing to rising mental health struggles, isolation, and autistic burnout.

But with our support, autistic young people find acceptance, happiness and hope for the future.

Read on to find out how creating joyful, safe spaces has a lasting, positive impact on the young people in our community.

“I have met some of my best friends thanks to SG”

Online Community

Face to Face Meetups

Training & Advocacy

What makes our services so Impactful

For many in our community, we’re the only service they can engage with. Parents have let us know we’re one of the few spaces where their young person feels safe to be themselves, where they don’t have to explain their needs, where they feel listened to.

“One of the (many) things I love about Spectrum Gaming is how the staff listen to the young people. Their voices help to shape the organisation.

This is unusual and unlike most organisations or institutions most young people will have encountered before. This has certainly been the case for my boys.

It is a breath of fresh air after school, where children can feel like they have no agency at all, where their voices and needs are ignored. And it is something that is vital to autistic children and young people. That’s why so many of us rave about Spectrum Gaming”

- Parent of young person in SG community

At the heart of our approach is trust. We take the time to build genuine relationships, listen to what young people tell us and give them a meaningful voice in their community.

We know that Spectrum Gaming won't be the right fit for every young person, but for those who do find their place here, that trust can make a huge difference.

When young people know they are listened to, valued and taken seriously, they are more able to engage, take part and shape their own experience within our community.

Case Studies

Theo

Theo’s parents share how being in the Spectrum Gaming community, and in particular his enjoyment of our D&D sessions, helped him find belonging, joy and motivation.

Oliver

Oliver’s parents share how our online community gave him the chance to develop communication skills and build confidence and resilience

Rachel

Rachel’s mum tells us how being around other autistic people was life-changing for her daughter, helping her to not only accept her autism diagnosis, but become an advocate for other autistic people

Our flexible approach allows young people to engage with Spectrum Gaming in different ways - Some young people find their community online, some through local face-to-face activities, and others move between different opportunities as their interests, confidence and circumstances change.

These three journeys show just some of the ways young people can find their place within our community.

Finding connection close to home

A journey shaped by local and online support

“This is the first place my child has really felt understood.”

View Journey

Growing confidence across communities

From local sessions to national connection

“They finally have friends who get them, both online and offline.”

View Journey

Building belonging nationally

A national journey over time

“We never thought they’d travel this far for something they loved.”

View Journey

Joining Spectrum Gaming

A young person from Manchester aged 12, joined the online community while at mainstream school, looking for friends.
They started safely connecting with peers in shared gaming spaces.
They attended 3 online sessions in the first month

Early face-to-face participation

They then moved on to attending our fortnightly youth club in Bury, accompanied by a parent initially.
They began building confidence at our in-person social settings.
They attended 2 face-to-face events in the first 3 months

Becoming a regular member

They started attending Forest School sessions once a month, plus weekly online community sessions.
They formed a core friendship group and increased their independence.
Over 12 months they attended 33 face-to-face events + 86 online events!

Joining The Community

A young person from Sheffield, aged 14 Signed up in September 2024 and attended first 4 local face-to-face events by March 2025.
Their parents supported initial participation before the young person felt ready to engage online.
They also attended 4 face-to-face events in Sheffield.

Exploring online group activities

They joined their first online Dungeons & Dragons session in June 2025.
Through this they developed confidence and consistency in online social participation.
They now regularly attend weekly online sessions

Balancing local and national engagement

They continued to join both local youth clubs and wider online events.
Expanding their friendship network beyond their local area while still maintaining local ties.
They currently take part in mix of face-to-face and online activity

Starting isolated

A young person aged 11, joined while out of school and unable to leave the house.
Initially they began building trust with staff and peers through online sessions.
They participated in advocacy projects as well as gaming /social activities in the online community.

Initial face-to-face engagement

They travelled 107 miles to attend Forest School in September 2023, first non-medical outing in over 2 years!
They gained confidence leaving home and meeting online friends in person.
They also attended a Forest School weekend

Increasing independence and regional engagement

Over the next year, they participated in multiple events in Sheffield and Manchester, staying in hotels for multi-day events.
They built broader networks and self-confidence in new environments.
They attended 6 regional events and 4 multi-day events.

Ongoing National Participation

They continue to engage in advocacy projects, gaming sessions, and face-to-face events across the UK.
They have developed strong peer relationships and sustained social participation.
They've undertaken 60-mile trips for 6 events and 107-mile trips for 4 events!

These journeys are only made possible through funding that allows us to offer consistent staffing, safe online spaces, and accessible face-to-face opportunities.