Where does the money raised go?
All funds raised by Walk for Autism benefits the registered charity Autism Initiatives Group
Autism Initiatives was founded in 1972 by Pat Minshull. When Pat realised that her son Peter had autism her initial concern was for his education. Pat raised funds and started a school, Peterhouse School.
As her son's needs changed, with adulthood approaching, so Pat’s vision developed and she realised there was a need for adult services for autistic people. Pat left a lasting legacy. Not only has she ensured the future of her son, but the work she started has changed the lives of thousands of people in the UK and Isle of Man.
Your fundraising makes a difference! 2027 is Walk for Autism’s 10 year anniversary!
When you take part in Walk for Autism, you are doing more than completing a challenge. You are helping Autism Initiatives create opportunities, develop projects and provide support that can make a real difference to autistic people and their families.
Every step. Every donation. It all adds up! Together, we can go further!
Your Walk for Autism fundraising helps us go above and beyond, enabling additional services, equipment, activities and projects that can create more opportunities for autistic people to connect, develop skills, enjoy new experiences and live more independently.
Funds raised through Walk for Autism over these 10 years have enabled 100’s of projects to be enabled that have helped autistic children and adults to thrive. We have chosen 10 projects to celebrate here, be proud, you have made all these amazing projects happen! You are AMAZING!
The Children's Saturday Club & Holiday Club
Autism Initiatives funded this amazing club which is a great space for families to bring their autistic children of all abilities
A group of autistic children attend the Children’s Club with a range of additional individual needs such as: ADHD, PDA, Hyperactivity, and Learning Disabilities
It has been transformational for Sam!
Sam started attending the Children’s Club and slowly joined in with the other children doing sports and craft activities.
Sam always brought his wheelchair as he lacked physical confidence at first, but gradually he moved away from it and now we leave it in the car!
Sam used to communicate in one or two word responses, but now he is starting to talk in whole sentences and we know it has been the Children’s Club that has brought him on so much! He has even been learning to bake cakes! This Club has been a God’s send for Sam and our family!
One Stop Shops in Scotland
One Stop Shops are an innovative way to provide support, advice and social opportunities. They’re designed for autistic people without a learning disability in Scotland and rely on donations to stay open.
We now support over 8,000 autistic people across three Scottish One Stop Shops - in Edinburgh, Inverness and Perth
Plus providing diagnostic and late diagnosis support services that support hundreds more across the whole of Scotland.
“I’ve been listened to and supported with information regarding issues at work and reasonable adjustments. This was a huge relief as I had been struggling and stressed.”
The Power of Pampering
A beauty salon with a difference at one of Autism Initiatives Community Hubs. Having a bespoke hairdressers and nail salon integrated directly into a day service offers profound therapeutic, emotional, and practical benefits for autistic adults with learning disabilities.
“This hairdressers has been wonderful for our daughter. She’s in a familiar, supportive environment that meets her sensory and social needs, she feels safe and can take things at her own pace without feeling rushed, with people who care. She now enjoys choosing how she’d like her hair or nails done, and we’ve seen a real increase in her confidence, independence and pride in her appearance.”
Service Dog in Autism School
Paisley the Educational Assistance Dog helped pupils feel safe, happy, and ready for the school day. ‘Cuddles with Paisley make me feel safe, she makes me smile!’
She worked alongside specially trained autism teachers to encourage autistic children to interact and develop.
The "Dog with a Blog" Paisley, famously shared regular ‘pupdates’ and entries on Paisley's Page on Peterhouse School website, letting students read about school life from her perspective. She officially qualified and passed her formal training assessment in late 2020.
After years of dedicated service comforting students, Paisley officially retired to a peaceful life in October 2025
Work Placements for Young Autistic Adults
Supported work placements provide opportunities to meet the needs of young autistic adults in a real work setting, improving life skills, increasing self-esteem and also health & wellbeing. Established over 15 years ago, more than 250 young autistic adults have benefitted from over 60,000 hours of specialised support.
“I’m really impressed with the service that Autism Initiatives provides for young people like my son. To be able to access a placement that is safe, welcoming and above all totally inclusive is just fantastic. Of course every environment is only as good as good as its staff and they are simply amazing.”
Autism Alliance UK
Autism Initiatives is a founding member and host charity of Autism Alliance UK, working with specialist organisations to improve support for autistic people and their families.
25 UK autism charities belong to Autism Alliance UK
Your incredible fundraising helps strengthen this vital alliance, amplify autistic voices and creates better opportunities for autistic people across the UK.
Your fundraising has enabled Autism Alliance to take part in an ‘Neuroinclusion At Work’ event at the Labour Party Conference, including the then Mayor of Greater Manchester, (now Prime Minister) Andy Burnham
Consultancy to Schools, Colleges and Individuals
Families using the short-break service say that the specialized training of the staff allows them to take necessary rest, knowing their loved ones are safe, respected, and engaging with the wider community
Commenting on the Individualized Care, parents frequently emphasize how the charity's services treat their children as distinct individuals rather than a diagnosis.
One parent shared:
“It was night and day… you are so bespoke… you treat her as an individual… the relationship that you build up with her… it's life-changing… it's about connection and confidence for her to know that people listen.”
Supported Living
Because of your amazing fundraising, autistic people can discover new interests, develop valuable skills, build meaningful connections and take proud steps towards their personal goals.
Our dedicated teams have more opportunities to get to know each person. The result is greater confidence, exciting new possibilities and a better quality of life for autistic people
Candice is supported to attend college and she is an artist who now exhibits internationally! She’s amazing!
Liam has been encouraged to develop his interest in ball skills, he’s now playing pickle ball in the sports centre club team!
Paul’s interest in animals is being encouraged and he is supported to volunteer at the City Farm - he loves it!
Sally enjoys her bike rides now her support worker has a bike and helmet so she can join her too - there’s no stopping her!
Just a few examples of the individual support that YOU are funding to help autistic people thrive!
Short Breaks Service - Respite Care
Families using the short-break service say that the specialized training of the staff allows them to take necessary rest, knowing their loved ones are safe, respected, and engaging with the wider community
Commenting on the Individualized Care, parents frequently emphasize how the charity's services treat their children as distinct individuals rather than a diagnosis.
One parent shared:
“It was night and day… you are so bespoke… you treat her as an individual… the relationship that you build up with her… it's life-changing… it's about connection and confidence for her to know that people listen.”
Interactive White Boards for School
Your fundraising is helping to bring interactive whiteboards to autism schools, opening up exciting, engaging and accessible ways to learn for autistic teenagers, including those with learning disabilities.
The school offers a person-centred learning experience that celebrates every learner’s strengths and supports their development in other areas.
“Social communication is at the heart of this approach, with community-based activities enriching classroom learning. Because of you, our young people will have even more opportunities to learn, connect and thrive, and that is something truly worth celebrating!”
