IN her role as Family Contact Officer within HMP Barlinnie, Amy McLachlan observed that there were several autistic children visiting their dads in prison. She also knew from speaking with the dads that many felt they had very little understanding or knowledge of autism, and they wanted to know more about how best to support their child and partner.
In October 2023, Amy decided to contact Scottish Autism’s Advice Line to see what support the organisation could give dads in custody.
Scottish Autism have a programme that they deliver in the community called ‘Get Set 4 Autism’. It provides support to parents and carers of autistic children and young people across Scotland up to the age of 18 years old. It is available at any point in a family's journey, whether that be prior to assessment and to whose children are on a waiting list for an autism assessment, but also post assessment support following an autism diagnosis.
The overarching aims are to promote a greater understanding of autism, improve communication between parents and professionals, and ultimately equip parents and carers with the information and practical skills they need to enable them to better support their child moving forwards.
Following discussions with Amy and others within Barlinnie, the team at Scottish Autism agreed to deliver this programme to dads in custody, for the very first time.
In June 2024, a group of nine dads took part in programme over the course of seven weeks., covering topics such as Supporting Communication, Sensory Processing, Stress & Wellbeing, Nurturing Positive Relationships and Supporting Play.
The programme was extremely well received with one participant saying “I always had a particular picture of autism and what this is. Due to this I never thought my daughter was autistic, but now she has a diagnosis and having learnt more I now understand why. For me, the session around stress was a major eye opener, and this has supported how I communicate with my daughter. I have become a much more compassionate friend/father to my daughter and this has enhanced our relationship."
Such was the demand for the programme, it ran for a second time throughout March and April 2025, with a further seven dads participating.
Zofia Bukiel, Community Advice Services Manager at Scottish Autism, and one of the facilitators of the programme said: "We have observed real change amongst those who have attended. Fathers have grown in confidence, not only through the development of their knowledge and understanding of autism, but also by having a safe space to explore ways to best support their children. It has also been a space where fathers have also been able to take the time to consider their partners perspectives, outside family life, and how they may also be a support to them. The sessions themselves have been extremely interactive and fathers have also recognised, by being in a group space that they are not alone and developed a supportive peer network due to shared or similar experiences.
“Many fathers have spoken about this parent group as being a unique opportunity and have been thankful for the opportunity to engage. For some, they have also reported reduced anxiety regarding their release and how they will fit back into their child's routine and day to day life. Due to improved connections and relationships, but also increased confidence.”
Due to the experience at HMP Barlinnie, Scottish Autism are now keen to consider how they can expand this programme of support across the prison estate.
