Inclusion
Inclusion isn’t saying everyone is welcome and hoping for the best. It is thinking about who might struggle to access something, listening to what people actually need and then doing something about it.
Autism Support Allies
About
About Autism Support Allies
Built from experience. Driven by inclusion.
Autism Support Allies was founded by Melinda Fleming after more than 23 years working in support and seeing too many people and families miss out because places, events and opportunities simply weren’t designed with them in mind. That never sat right with me. So ASA began with one simple belief: Instead of expecting people to fit the space, we should be changing the space.
Today, we create inclusive events, sensory safe spaces, PA support, community sessions, workshops and experiences across North Yorkshire. We keep learning. We keep growing. And most importantly, we keep listening. That’s the Ally Way.
Why we do this
Because nobody should have to miss out simply because they experience the world differently. We want autistic people, neurodivergent people, individuals with learning disabilities, families and anyone who may need a little more understanding to have more opportunities to be part of things. Sometimes that means providing a sensory safe space at a festival. Sometimes it means an Ally beside somebody through PA support. Sometimes it means creating an event where people can join in as much or as little as they like. And sometimes it simply means somebody saying: “You’re welcome here. Take your time.” That is why Autism Support Allies exists.
Our Purpose
Creating more opportunities for people to take part, belong and be themselves.
We create inclusive spaces, events, experiences and practical support that work around real people. Some people need somewhere quieter. Some need space to move. Some need sensory input. Some need an Ally beside them. Some simply need to know they won’t be judged. There is no one version of support — because there is no one version of a person.
What Matters To Us
Everything starts with people.
Understanding
We don’t expect people to explain or justify every need before they are supported. Behaviour is communication. Regulation looks different for everyone. And sometimes the best thing we can do is give somebody the time and space they need.
Belonging
Being allowed through the door isn’t the same as feeling like you belong there. We want people to find friendships, confidence, opportunities and a community where they can simply be themselves. Friendship. Confidence. Community. The Ally Way.
Our Story
Built for Real Life
Weddings. Festivals. Shows. Community events. Swimming pools. Hubs. Family days. Outdoor spaces. Businesses. Schools. Celebrations. Real life can be noisy, busy, unpredictable and full of expectations. We don’t want the answer to always be “stay at home”. Autism Support Allies works alongside individuals, families, venues, businesses and event organisers to help create more accessible ways for people to take part. That might mean a sensory safe space. It might mean changing the environment. It might mean practical advice. It might mean PA support. Or it might mean doing something completely differently because that is what works for the person in front of us.
Different people need different things. We think there should be room for all of them.
What the Ally Way looks like:
- Welcoming without judgement
- Support without pressure
- Space to regulate in your own way
- Understanding that one size never fits all
Our Mission
More people included. More opportunities. More understanding.
What We Believe
Inclusion should be felt, not just promised
We believe people should have opportunities to go places, try things, celebrate, make friends and be part of their communities in a way that works for them. Nobody should have to miss out because an environment is too busy, because they need more time, because they communicate differently or because they need support that doesn’t fit neatly into somebody else’s idea of “normal”. Sometimes inclusion is a sensory space. Sometimes it is an Ally beside you. Sometimes it is changing the plan. And sometimes it is simply being somewhere you know you won’t be judged.
“Friendship. Confidence. Community. The Ally Way.”
Connect With Us
We love connecting with people who want to create more inclusion
Whether you’re an individual, family, event organiser, business, venue, community group or somebody doing something brilliant in our area, we’d love to hear from you. If you want to access support, bring the Allies to an event, collaborate with us or simply find out more about what we do, get in touch.