SAM Radio is an award winning non-profit community radio station for autistic adults.  Their studio is based in Edinburgh and has 23 presenters who appear at the studio every week to produce and broadcast their own one-hour radio show.  However, during COVID-19 the presenters have had to record the show remotely. SAM Radio has been running for three years.

The purpose of SAM (Scottish Autistic Media) Radio is two-fold. The station is managed by Paul Ross, who holds a degree in Sound Engineering and has a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. The station airs a variety of music and provides listeners with a platform where they can represent themselves. At the same time, SAM Radio offers presenters the opportunity to learn how to produce shows, without the worry of operating the broadcast/recording equipment.

All the presenters are autistic and have developed a community.  Together they build their confidence and communication skills which in turn helps them to gain college/university placements in Media and Creative Industry courses. Being in a working environment helps their personal development tremendously.

The presenters can face a lack of job opportunities and social communication skills, and can sometimes experience isolation and severe mental health difficulties. Meeting other autistic people at SAM Radio has helped them form friendships which continue out-with the station.