Emotional Dysregulation in Autism (EDA) is a youth-led organisation based in Birmingham, dedicated to empowering autistic young people who experience emotional dysregulation. EDA provides vital peer-led support, advocacy, and community engagement to ensure that autistic youth are heard, valued, and supported in shaping their own care. The organisation is driven by young leaders with lived experience, including CEO ZeZe, a mental health advocate, alongside a passionate youth trustee board. Together, they challenge harmful misconceptions, improve mental health responses, and foster systemic change for autistic individuals navigating emotional distress.
With YGF funding, EDA will expand its peer mentoring programme, offering direct support to young people at risk of psychiatric hospitalisation or transitioning out of care. Funding will also facilitate training, social events, and accessibility measures—such as transport and support workers—to ensure autistic young people can actively participate in advocacy and decision-making. By amplifying youth voices and equipping them with the tools to influence policy, EDA is transforming the mental health landscape for autistic individuals, creating a future where their needs and experiences are truly understood and respected.
