Autism Services Directory

BAAGS offers support, advice and friendship to parents, relatives, friends and anyone with an interest in Asperger syndrome, autism or related behaviour. It is a group run by volunteer parents and people who work with autistic children. The aim of BAAGS is to make people aware of the condition and the effects it has on everyone: the teachers, the families, the neighbours etc. It is important for the person with autism to be allowed the opportunity to have the correct care and attention individually planned around them. The aims of the Group are to: offer support, encouragement and hope; raise awareness of the behaviours of autism; raise awareness of the stress suffered by lack of knowledge; offer members and their families a social life; give the opportunity for "everyone" to live a "normal" life. The group holds several meetings: the last Monday of each month at the King's Arms Hotel in Melrose at 7.30pm, and the first Wednesday of every month in Duns from 10am to 12 noon. You do not have to be a member; you are welcome to come to the group, whatever your interest in autism is. There is also a monthly meeting specifically for adults with Asperger syndrome in Galashiels, the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm. The Group also invites everyone to join their 100 Club scheme - it costs £12 per year, and 50% of all monies go into the prize pot while the other 50% goes directly to BAAGS.