About Us
Isle of Man Autistic Support Group – 35 years on - Autism in Mann
It seems hard to believe it is 35 years ago we met at a book fayre at our sons’ primary school and, after overhearing comments about obsessions, we started chatting which continued outside the school.
We were surprised at the similarities displayed by both our sons, whilst one was in main stream education and the other attending the special needs unit.
Although no one had mentioned autism to either of us, two years previously one of us had watched a programme on Holding Therapy where the child was diagnosed as Autistic. Having watched this, one of us was by then already a member of the National Autistic Society (NAS).
We then made contact with the NAS and were informed about a 3-day workshop to be held for families of children with autism at Augill Castle, Brough, Cumbria in March 1991. We attended the workshop and this then gave us the idea of setting up a support group here on the Island.
The NAS offered to forward contact details from ourselves to any other parents who were already members of the NAS. This then enabled us to start a support group with 5 members. We were initially called the Isle of Man Autistic Support Group and we began fundraising and trying to increase awareness of Autism and Asperger Syndrome.
This enabled us, after much consultation with the NAS, to be able to put together the very first Day Course on Autism to be held at the Beach Hotel in Ramsey here on the Isle of Man.
We were delighted that such experienced professionals were able to come to the Island and present this course. Some having returned to the Island to further continue with passing on the latest thinking and information relating to autism.
We are pleased with the continued development of what is now known as Autism in Mann, many thanks to the committee members over the years.
June and Sue, April 2026.
Our Committee Members
All Autism in Mann Committee members are volunteers and give their time freely.
Sue Corlett - Chairman
Kathleen Desmond - Treasurer
Anita Ash - Secretary
Breda Craine - Newsletter
Rachel Collier
Carole Williams
Carole Williams also provides Autism Awareness Training on a volunteer basis.
Project 21
We are a member charity of Project 21, alongside
We hold most of our meetings and some of our drop-in sessions for parents at Centre 21, Greenfield Road, Douglas.
DHSC Autism Strategy
We work closely with the Department of Health & Social Care ASC Strategy Team. The Autism Strategy aims to improve support for our autistic population by making sure services are provided fairly and effectively. The Strategy Team gives Autism in Mann parents and carers half-yearly updates. The next update is at the end of April and will be advertised on our Facebook page.
Our goals for the next 5 years
To continue to provide help and support to parents and carers, and to raise awareness of autism.
To continue to work with the DESC to support the work of the Autism & Social Communication Service.
To continue to work with the DHSC Strategy Team.