Number 6 - One Stop Shop for autistic adults
The service provided by Autism Initiatives Scotland was officially launched in June 2005. Number 6 provides free social opportunities and 1-1 advice and support on a range of issues.
Number 6 is a service for autistic adults who fit the following criteria:
- 16 years old and over
- Formal autism diagnosis
- No learning disability
- Resident in Edinburgh, Lothians or Scottish Borders.
We accept self-referrals and third-party referrals for those with an autism diagnosis who wish to access our post-diagnostic services. If you would like to make a referral please email and we will organise an initial appointment via phone/video call or in person at Number 6.
Support for Adults
We have been running a diagnostic service in some areas since 2019 however we cannot accept self-referrals or GP referrals to this service. If you would like to pursue an autism assessment then you must ask your GP to refer you to your local NHS mental health team (or CAMHS for under 18s).
Autism Diagnostic Service
Staff working within the Number 6 One-Stop Shop are available for 1 to 1 appointments to discuss a range of issues. Appointments are limited to three sessions to develop strategies for specific situations and areas of difficulty.
Typical issues that arise in 1 to 1 appointments are:
- Employment – including finding and maintaining employment. Support may be given for the application and interview process, as well as discussing difficulties that arise in the workplace.
- Housing – including support with housing applications (e.g. Edindex) and advice on financial or other issues that may help to maintain a tenancy.
- Benefits – including letters you have received, new applications and support for appeals/tribunals.
Problem solving support can also be provided in the following areas: Education, Mental Health and Relationships.
1 to 1 Support
Number 6 currently runs drop-in sessions on the following days & times: Tuesdays 1-6pm, Wednesdays 1-4pm, Thursdays 1-6pm, Fridays 12-3pm and the Third Saturday of the month from 12-4pm.
Service users are welcome to drop into the building during these times to use the computer room, pool room, kitchen and any meeting rooms that are free. Staff will be largely unavailable during drop-in times so if you need help with a specific issue, please contact us to arrange an appointment.
Please note: you must be registered with Number 6 to use our services – if you are not yet registered, please contact us to arrange an initial registration appointment.
Number 6 has a calendar of events and activities, use the buttons below to access our monthly events calendars.
Activity Groups and Drop-ins
We hope you find the following links useful:
Useful Links
Could you benefit from accessing services at Number 6?
If you, or someone you know, is in need of help and support, or would benefit from taking advantage of the support we can offer at Number 6, please get in touch and someone at Autism Initiatives will be able to advise on your next steps.
It completely changed my life. It helped me understand myself and self-manage, which resulted in me relying less on NHS services. It has helped me navigate the bad days