Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics
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semascot.bsky.social
Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics
@semascot.bsky.social
1.5K followers 730 following 680 posts
We strive to improve understanding of being autistic from the various communities of the Global Majority.

www.sema.scot
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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · Apr 14
Thank you to everyone who has walked with us, shared their stories, trusted us, challenged us, and believed that being radically inclusive isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Please vote for us here: www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/awards-2025/...

#NDA25
Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA)
I have been voted for an Award at The National Diversity Awards 2025 in association with @itvnews. Please vote for me #NDA25 #Nominate #VotingNowOpen
www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk
semascot.bsky.social
Mental health must be spoken about honestly

Across the UK, men are facing a mental health crisis that is rarely acknowledged with the seriousness it deserves.

• In the UK, around 75% of people who die by suicide are men
(Source: Samaritans, 2023)
A graphic for Men's Health Awareness Month by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA). The background shows a group of men in conversation. At the top is the SEMA logo. Below it, text reads “Men’s Health Awareness Month.” A green awareness ribbon wraps around the words “Mental health matters.” At the bottom, a white text box states: “In Scotland, around 74 percent of suicide deaths are among men, particularly those aged 25 to 54, showing how deeply men are hurting and how rarely that pain is heard.”
November 26, 2025 at 12:08 PM
semascot.bsky.social
#IslamophobiaAwarenessMonth: Flip the script

Islamophobia is often discussed as a matter of “misunderstanding” or “lack of awareness.” But Autistic Muslims are not misunderstood. They are unheard.
A graphic by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) for Islamophobia Awareness Month. The top shows the SEMA logo against a light mosque interior background. Below it, large text reads “Flip the Script: Islamophobia Awareness Month.” A box with rounded corners contains guidance titled “How to support Autistic Muslims in your space,” followed by bullet points about avoiding assumptions, recognising sensory needs, respecting prayer times, allowing movement and stimming, and asking individuals what safety and comfort mean for them.
November 24, 2025 at 12:19 PM
semascot.bsky.social
We decided that we will donate to @medicalaidpal.bsky.social. Sign up for our webinar on Eventbrite #colonialism #palestine #actuallyautistic
semascot.bsky.social Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 16d
The Impact of Colonialism on Autistic People
Tuesday 25 November, 7-9PM.

I’ll be speaking in a webinar by Viv Dawes Autistic Advocate and Autistic Burnout Network alongside Claire Betson and Viv Dawes.

#AutisticInclusion
#RacialisedAutisticVoices
#ColonialismAndDisability
#AutisticBurnoutNetwork
Promotional poster for an online event titled “The Impact of Colonialism on Autistic People.” At the top are three organisation logos: SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics), Neuro By Nature Therapy, and Autistic Burnout Network. Below the title, the event details read: “Tues Nov 25th 2025, 7–9PM, £10 per person.” Three speaker headshots are displayed in a row. Under each photo, their names and affiliations are written: “Sofia Farzana – SEMA” “Claire Betson – Neuro By Nature” “Viv Dawes – Autistic Burnout Network.” At the bottom, a note reads: “A percentage of ticket sales will be donated to charities working in Gaza. Recordings will be available for all ticket holders after the event.” The background is a soft beige gradient.
November 20, 2025 at 7:19 PM
semascot.bsky.social
International Men’s Day: Seeing what is often unseen

International Men’s Day is a moment to recognise the experiences of men whose struggles are often hidden, dismissed or misunderstood.
A SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) graphic for International Men’s Day on 19 November. The top features the SEMA logo. Below, a background photo shows four men standing on a pier at sunset, with one man holding a fishing rod. In the foreground, a rounded white text box contains a message about men being taught to stay silent and the importance of creating environments where they do not have to hide their pain.
November 19, 2025 at 1:04 PM
semascot.bsky.social
This week marks Transgender Awareness Week, a time to honour trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people, and to commit to meaningful change. For racialised Autistic individuals who are also trans, the layers of exclusion can be compounded: gender identity, neurodivergence, race, faith, culture.
A graphic for SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) promoting Transgender Awareness Week, dated 13th–19th November. The top features the SEMA logo. Below, two illustrated faces appear: the first has warm brown skin with a large cluster of bright pink flowers covering part of the face; the second shows similar facial features decorated with soft blue and pink makeup and white sparkling star shapes. The background has a smooth gradient of beige, orange, and pink tones.
November 19, 2025 at 12:52 PM
semascot.bsky.social
Islamophobia does not only appear in headlines. It shows up in schools, workplaces, services, and community spaces. For Autistic Muslims, this often means navigating both Islamophobia and ableism at the same time. In recent years, the UK has witnessed a deeply troubling rise in #Islamophobia.
A graphic for Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) featuring the SEMA logo at the top. Below it, large text reads “Flip the Script: Islamophobia Awareness Month” with the phrase mirrored upside down beneath it. At the bottom, a white rounded box contains the message: “Islamophobia is not misunderstanding. It is a pattern of exclusion built into our institutions. Flipping the script means addressing the system, not the stereotype.” The background is a soft gradient of warm beige and orange tones.
November 16, 2025 at 2:59 PM
semascot.bsky.social
This week is Inter Faith Week: a chance to recognise, respect and build connection across belief systems.

For Autistic people from racialised faith communities, meaningful inter-faith inclusion means more than tolerance.

#Interfaithweek
Social media graphic for SEMA, Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics, marking Interfaith Week from 9 to 16 November. The background shows a diverse group of people with raised hands in a worship or community setting. The text reads: 'We do not need to make Autistic people fit faith spaces. We need to reshape faith spaces so Autistic people feel safe in them.'
November 13, 2025 at 3:18 PM
semascot.bsky.social
It's #ScottishCareersWeek - theme is Shape the Future

For Autistic individuals from racialised and faith-diverse communities, career journeys often involve navigating additional barriers – from workplace culture and recruitment practices to accessibility, faith accommodation & spoken/unspoken bias
A graphic by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) for Career Week Scotland, taking place from 10th to 14th November 2025. The image shows small figurines of people standing on wooden blocks representing career steps. The centre features the “Scottish Careers Week: Shape the Future” logo in bright colours. Below, a message reads: “Career inclusion is not about helping Autistic people adapt to workplaces. It is about reshaping workplaces so Autistic people are respected and understood.” The overall tone is professional and inclusive.
November 12, 2025 at 1:07 PM
semascot.bsky.social
The Impact of Colonialism on Autistic People
Tuesday 25 November, 7-9PM.

I’ll be speaking in a webinar by Viv Dawes Autistic Advocate and Autistic Burnout Network alongside Claire Betson and Viv Dawes.

#AutisticInclusion
#RacialisedAutisticVoices
#ColonialismAndDisability
#AutisticBurnoutNetwork
Promotional poster for an online event titled “The Impact of Colonialism on Autistic People.” At the top are three organisation logos: SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics), Neuro By Nature Therapy, and Autistic Burnout Network. Below the title, the event details read: “Tues Nov 25th 2025, 7–9PM, £10 per person.” Three speaker headshots are displayed in a row. Under each photo, their names and affiliations are written: “Sofia Farzana – SEMA” “Claire Betson – Neuro By Nature” “Viv Dawes – Autistic Burnout Network.” At the bottom, a note reads: “A percentage of ticket sales will be donated to charities working in Gaza. Recordings will be available for all ticket holders after the event.” The background is a soft beige gradient.
November 10, 2025 at 12:24 PM
semascot.bsky.social
Guru Nanak Jayanti, marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. It is one of the most sacred festivals for Sikhs and is celebrated with deep devotion, love, and unity by followers of this faith across India and globally.
An illustrated greeting image from SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) celebrating Guru Nanak Jayanti. The SEMA logo is at the top. Below it is an illustration of Guru Nanak seated cross-legged with a peaceful expression, one hand raised in blessing. Behind him is a warm golden halo and decorative script. The text reads: “Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti. May you be inspired to walk on the path of kindness, equality, and love.”
November 5, 2025 at 1:42 PM
semascot.bsky.social
Excited to share that I will be speaking on Day 1 of the Faith on the Margins: Engaging with Nonspeaking and Black Autistic Christians conference, hosted by the Aberdeen Institute of Autism and Spirituality.
A promotional poster for SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics). The title reads: “Faith on the Margins: Engaging with Nonspeaking and Black Autistic Christians, 5th–7th Nov.” Below is information for Panel 1, titled “Autism in Islam and Buddhism.” The listed speakers are three individuals (names shown on the poster). The event time reads: “Day 1: 5th November, 13:30–14:30.” At the bottom is the University of Aberdeen logo. The background is a soft gradient of beige tones with the SEMA logo at the top.
November 4, 2025 at 1:07 PM
semascot.bsky.social
I can’t count the number of times that I’ve heard “I mean, Black History Month isn’t fair is it?

There’s no White History Month”, often from well-meaning friends and colleagues.

#BlackHistoryMonth
#AutismInBlack
#BlackandAutistic
#BHM #BlackLivesMatter
#Neurodiversity
#InclusionMatters
#SEMA
A graphic for Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) titled “Reflections on Black History Month: Why Black History Month should not exist (although I’m glad it does).” The SEMA logo appears at the top. Below the title is an illustrated image with bold red, green, yellow, and black colours. In the centre is a round badge that reads “Black History Month,” with two brown hands raised upward beneath it.
October 31, 2025 at 12:38 PM
semascot.bsky.social
Abuse is not blind to difference. For Autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent women, the risks are often higher, and the systems meant to protect them frequently fail to understand their needs.

#DomesticAbuseAwareness
#Neurodiversity
#AutisticWomen
#Intersectionality
#SEMA
A dark-toned awareness poster for Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, October 2025, by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA). The background features a close-up of a Black woman’s face, partially in shadow, conveying strength and vulnerability. At the top is SEMA’s logo with the text “Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics.” Below, bold white text reads: “DOMESTIC ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH — October 2025.” In the center is a large female gender symbol, and at the bottom, the message: “AWARENESS IS NOT ENOUGH. INCLUSION SAVES LIVES.”
October 23, 2025 at 2:11 PM
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Happy Diwali from SEMA

As homes light up across the world for Diwali, we celebrate the spirit of brightness, renewal, and community.

For many, Diwali is more than a festival of lights. It is a reminder that light grows stronger when shared through understanding, inclusion, and kindness.
A festive Diwali greeting graphic from Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA). The SEMA logo appears at the top. Below it, the text reads “Happy Diwali.” The message says, “May the divine light of Diwali dispel all darkness from your life and fill it with peace and prosperity.” The design features hanging decorative lamps and bells in red and gold. At the bottom, three brightly lit traditional oil lamps (diyas) sit on a colorful rangoli pattern.
October 20, 2025 at 10:22 AM
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Behind these numbers are lives and stories, and too often, racialised voices are the ones missing.

October is ADHD Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is The Many Faces of ADHD.
Graphic for ADHD Awareness Month, October 2025, created by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA). It features a gold and brown gradient background with the SEMA logo at the top and an orange awareness ribbon on the left. The text reads: “In the UK, ADHD affects around 3–4% of adults and about 5% of children according to NHS England and NICE estimates. Yet, many remain undiagnosed. A study of 9 million GP records found only 0.32% had a formal diagnosis, suggesting that as few as 1 in 9 people with ADHD get recognised. In England alone, an estimated 2,498,000 people are thought to have ADHD (including undiagnosed cases), and more than 549,000 people may be waiting for assessments.”
October 17, 2025 at 11:18 AM
semascot.bsky.social
Many people know dyslexia. Many know ADHD. But what happens when the two intersect, or when an Autistic person also has ADHD? The impact is profound, especially in systems built around singular-focus assessments.
Infographic by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) for Dyslexia Awareness Week, October 2025. It highlights the overlap between Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia using a three-circle Venn diagram. The Autism and ADHD circles intersect with the text: “Separate assessments. Separate waits. Same person.” A caption above reads: “Up to 80% of Autistic people also have ADHD.” Another note says: “25–40% of people with ADHD also have dyslexia.” A red dyslexia awareness ribbon appears on the right side.
October 13, 2025 at 10:14 AM
semascot.bsky.social
This year’s theme for International Day of the Girl Child is “The girl I am, the change I lead”, it honours girls on the frontlines of crisis, those shaping their futures despite systemic inequality. Yet the global picture shows how far there is still to go.

#DayoftheGirl #GenerationEquality
A graphic by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) for International Day of the Girl Child, dated 11 October 2025. The background shows young girls of colour playing together on a playground. The text reads: “The girl I am is not defined by barriers but by how I move through them.”
October 11, 2025 at 8:37 AM
semascot.bsky.social
This year’s theme, “Mental health in humanitarian emergencies”, reminds us that mental health support is not a luxury. It is a necessity that must reach everyone, especially those already living at the margins of care.

#MentalHealthMatters
#SEMA
Poster for World Mental Health Day 2025 by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA). The design features the SEMA logo at the top, followed by the text ‘World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2025’. Below, there is an illustration of a blue human silhouette with an open doorway in the head, from which colourful plants and leaves emerge, symbolising growth and mental wellbeing. A green awareness ribbon appears on the lower right, with soft floral accents and pastel clouds in the background.
October 10, 2025 at 6:29 AM
semascot.bsky.social
We are delighted to share that our original artwork from the "Our Lived Experiences" project, funded by the Autistic Adult Support Fund, is on display this month around the Forth Valley.

#BlackHistoryMonth #BlackWhileAutistic #OurStories #LivedExperience #ForthValley
Poster for “Travelling Creations”, a mobile art exhibition celebrating Black History Month 2025 across Forth Valley. The poster has a black background with three photos: one of an artwork displayed in a library, one showing three people standing behind framed artworks, and one of a person standing between two stone columns. Exhibition dates and locations are listed: FVRH, Falkirk: 6th–10th October Bellfield Centre, Stirling: 13th–17th October Spiers Centre, Alloa: 20th–24th October Text below reads: “A vibrant, mobile art exhibition celebrating Black History Month 2025, that will travel across Forth Valley throughout October. ‘Standing firm in power & pride.’” At the bottom are logos for Artlink Central and Black History Month Forth Valley, along with a QR code.
October 6, 2025 at 8:32 AM
semascot.bsky.social
On the 24th, I had the opportunity to present the findings of a survey on autism assessment experiences—a vital research piece that brought together Scottish Autism, ARGH, AMASE, and SEMA.

Although the research was conducted in 2023, the situation has actually declined for Autistics in Scotland.
A collage showing highlights from the SPICe Committee morning briefing on “Experiences of Autism Assessment and Diagnosis in Scotland.” The top section features the Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) logo and event title. Below, there are photos of Sofia Farzana from SEMA and Leo from AMASE smiling together, Sofia’s nameplate on the conference table, and slides displaying the joint research by SEMA, ARGH, AMASE, and Scottish Autism. The final image shows Sofia presenting at the podium alongside other speakers in a parliamentary setting.
October 4, 2025 at 10:45 AM
semascot.bsky.social
2 October marks the International Day of Non-Violence, a reminder that peace is not only the absence of conflict but the presence of dignity, justice, and respect.

Violence is not always physical. It shows up as systemic exclusion, cultural stigma, and barriers to access.
Graphic for International Day of Non-Violence, 2nd October 2025, created by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA). The image features a quote by Cesar Chavez: 'Nonviolence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak... Nonviolence is hard work. It is the willingness to sacrifice. It is the patience to win.' The SEMA logo is displayed at the top.
October 2, 2025 at 8:34 AM
semascot.bsky.social
30 September marks #InternationalTranslationDay, a celebration of the bridges language creates. At Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA), translation is more than words. It is about ensuring autistic people from all communities can access respect, dignity, and understanding.
Promotional graphic by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) for International Translation Day. The text reads: ‘INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATION DAY – Sharing autism stories worldwide.’ The SEMA logo is at the top. The centre features a poster titled ‘Autism Myth Busting’ with an illustration of a person surrounded by colourful flowing shapes. Around it are translated materials in multiple languages, including Urdu, Arabic, Gaelic, Polish, and Punjabi. The materials promote autism myth-busting, rights, support for autistic loved ones, and anti-racism. Logos for SEMA, BEMIS Scotland, and the Scottish Government are included.
September 30, 2025 at 9:48 AM
semascot.bsky.social
“They’ll be fine.”
But what if they’re not?

Some of the most misunderstood experiences for Autistic people, especially racialised Autistics, are rejection sensitivity, elopement, and suicidality.

These are often dismissed or mislabelled as misbehaviour, defiance, or attention-seeking.
Graphic for World Suicide Prevention Month by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA). The top features the SEMA logo. Below, bold text reads 'WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH.' In the center is a social media post by Pat Radical Therapist that says: 'Suicide Awareness that ignores poverty, prisons, racism, ableism, transphobia & systemic oppression isn’t complete awareness. People don’t just die ONLY because of mental illness. They die because systems make life unbearable.' The post shows 6.4k likes, 59 comments, and 1.3k shares. At the bottom, there is the National Suicide Prevention Month logo with a teal and purple ribbon.
September 14, 2025 at 2:43 PM
semascot.bsky.social
As Black and Brown people, we are not afforded the same empathy when we feel overwhelmed - our emotions are seen as dramatisation or aggression.

Autistics of all races say when they feel any strong emotion - fear, love, excitement, anxiety, injustice, joy - that they react with tears.
Graphic with the SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) logo at the top. Below, bold black text reads: 'They told us being emotional meant weakness. But what if emotional just means human?' Followed by lines: 'Tears are not failure. Anger is not disobedience. Overwhelm is not immaturity. It’s not that we feel too much. It’s that the world allows too little. Reclaim your emotions. Honour your feelings. Being emotional is not the problem. The systems that punish it are.' At the bottom, bold text states: 'Ignoring our emotions is not maturity, its capitalism and part of colonialism.' Background shows a partially visible person with curly hair wearing a pink top.
September 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Reposted by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics
rebeccastapleton.bsky.social
Autistic individuals aged 55 and over, in the UK, are invited to participate in a research project. Help us understand what it’s like to live in a world not designed for older autistic adults.
@blackautistics.bsky.social @semascot.bsky.social @autisticsociety.bsky.social #autism #autismresearch
September 10, 2025 at 3:31 PM