Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will not be able to pick up pen pal letters via the Royal Mail, so please use email instead. We understand you may be feeling anxious or uncertain about the current situation. To help support you, we've put together a selection of tips, resources and contact information, which you can access here.

Open our latest letters

How to place a pen pal advert

All you need to do is send your advert along with your name and address (and email address if you want) to the Spectrum. You can use the Royal Mail or email us at the.Spectrum@nas.org.uk. The next pen pal number will be attached to your advert when it arrives.

Please note that the Spectrum does not print dating adverts, as it is unable to provide suitable support. 

Those under the age of sixteen must have parental permission before placing a pen pal advert in the Spectrum. If you get no replies, please don't take this personally. Please note that all pen pal letters sent via the Spectrum are opened before being passed on. 

We receive a high number of pen pal adverts. If you place an advert with us, you may often have to wait until the next issue for your advert to be published. This applies to the website and the printed magazine, as we like to keep content consistent. We apologise for any stress or anxiety that this may cause, but please don't worry. We haven't forgotten you.

31 pen pal adverts have been held over for publication in the next six issues.

How to reply to pen pals

Please remember to let us know the name and number of the person your letter is for. All pen pals are numbered by the editor, not the person who sends in the advert.

Please remember to put your address on your letter. To contact a pen pal, please send your letter to:

The Spectrum, c/o The National Autistic Society, 393 City Road, London, EC1V 1NG, or email the.Spectrum@nas.org.uk

We will pass your letter on to the person you wish to contact. However, we cannot guarantee the person will reply as that is entirely their decision.