You know your child. We'll meet them where they are.
Whether you're waiting for a diagnosis, newly navigating additional support needs, or years into the journey — this page is for you. Here's what a visit looks like, how to prepare, and where else to find good help.
A visual guide to a visit
What will happen when we come to Stable Ground?
A simple social story you can read together before a first visit. (When we open, we'll send a photo version tailored to your child.)
1. We arrive
We come at our own quiet time. It is calm. There are no crowds and no queue. A friendly person we've met before says hello.
2. We say hi to the animals
We can watch first. When we're ready, we might feed a rabbit or a hen. We don't have to touch anything we don't want to.
3. We help
We might brush a pony or fill a water bucket. We go at our own speed. We can stop and have a quiet moment any time.
4. We finish
We know when it's nearly time to go. We say goodbye to our animal. We did a great job. We can come back next week.
Getting ready
Small things that help a first visit go well
- Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes or wellies — the ground can be muddy.
- Bring any comfort item, ear defenders, or communication aid your child uses.
- Look at the photo social story together in the days before.
- There's no “right” way to take part — watching counts.
- Tell us what your child loves and what they find hard. We'll build the session around it.
- Carers are welcome to stay. There's a warm cabin corner and a kettle.
Trusted support beyond us
Where else to find good help
We're one small part of a bigger network. These organisations offer advice, advocacy and community across our three areas. (Links open external sites.)
National Autistic Society Scotland
Advice, local branches and a helpline for autistic people and their families.
autism.org.uk →Scottish Autism
Scotland's largest autism-specific charity — the Advice Line and family support.
scottishautism.org →Enquire
The national advice service for additional support for learning — free, impartial guidance for parents.
enquire.org.uk →ENABLE
Support for people with learning disabilities and their families across Scotland.
enable.org.uk →East Renfrewshire Carers Centre
Information, short breaks and support for unpaid carers in East Renfrewshire.
eastrenfrewshirecarers.co.uk →Renfrewshire & North Ayrshire carers
Renfrewshire Carers Centre and Unity (North Ayrshire) support local carers.
renfrewshirecarers.co.uk →Listing does not imply endorsement, and details can change — please check each organisation's own site. Tell us if a link needs updating.
Questions families ask
Good to know
Does my child need a diagnosis to take part?
No. We support children with autism and other additional support needs, whether or not a formal diagnosis is in place. When we open, we'll explain how referrals and self-referrals work.
Does my child have to ride?
Never. Many children spend their whole programme with the small animals and groundwork and never ride — and that's a complete success. Riding is only ever introduced if and when it's right for the child.
How much will it cost?
We're committed to keeping sessions free or affordable, with no child excluded by inability to pay. Our funding and sponsorship model exists precisely so cost is never the barrier.
When can we come?
We're not open yet — we're building the site and registering as a charity. The best thing to do now is register your interest so you're first to hear when our waiting list opens.
Be first to know when we open
Join our family waiting list and we'll keep you gently updated — no spam, just news that matters.
Register your interest