This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Graeme, a teacher at our Sensational Learning Centre, shares an inspiring reflection about how being neurodivergent has shaped his career in education. 🎓
Early in his journey, he was cautious about sharing this part of himself — but looking back, he wonders: “Maybe if I had been more open about it, I could have inspired others.”
Graeme, we think this video will do just that! 👏
By embracing who he is, he’s not only become a passionate educator but also a role model for future teachers who may be unsure about their own paths. His lived experience gives him a unique understanding of the challenges neurodivergent young people may face, helping him to support and encourage them in a meaningful way.
His story is a powerful reminder that representation in education matters — not just for students, but for teachers too. When educators feel empowered to be themselves, they create spaces where young people feel seen, understood, and supported.
This reflection aligns with the goals of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which aims to challenge stereotypes about neurodivergence and celebrate the strengths of neurodivergent individuals while fostering inclusive cultures in schools and workplaces.
A huge thank you to Graeme for sharing his story with us! 📖
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #NeurodiversityWeek
This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Graeme, a teacher at our Sensational Learning Centre, shares an inspiring reflection about how being neurodivergent has shaped his career in education. 🎓
Early in his journey, he was cautious about sharing this part of himself — but looking back, he wonders: “Maybe if I had been more open about it, I could have inspired others.”
Graeme, we think this video will do just that! 👏
By embracing who he is, he’s not only become a passionate educator but also a role model for future teachers who may be unsure about their own paths. His lived experience gives him a unique understanding of the challenges neurodivergent young people may face, helping him to support and encourage them in a meaningful way.
His story is a powerful reminder that representation in education matters — not just for students, but for teachers too. When educators feel empowered to be themselves, they create spaces where young people feel seen, understood, and supported.
This reflection aligns with the goals of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which aims to challenge stereotypes about neurodivergence and celebrate the strengths of neurodivergent individuals while fostering inclusive cultures in schools and workplaces.
A huge thank you to Graeme for sharing his story with us! 📖
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #NeurodiversityWeek
Meet Alison Muir, Play Therapist from @withkidsscot. Alison visits our campus each week to support the children and young people in our Sensational Learning Centre. 😊
In Part One of this two-part series, Alison shares her passion for play therapy, what it involves, and the magical moments that make her work so rewarding. From imaginative activities to tailored tools, discover how play therapy provides a safe space for learning, healing and growth. 👏
Stay tuned for Part Two! To find out more about the support we provide in our Sensational Learning Centre, head over to our website by clicking the link in our bio. 🔗
Meet Alison Muir, Play Therapist from @withkidsscot. Alison visits our campus each week to support the children and young people in our Sensational Learning Centre. 😊
In Part One of this two-part series, Alison shares her passion for play therapy, what it involves, and the magical moments that make her work so rewarding. From imaginative activities to tailored tools, discover how play therapy provides a safe space for learning, healing and growth. 👏
Stay tuned for Part Two! To find out more about the support we provide in our Sensational Learning Centre, head over to our website by clicking the link in our bio. 🔗
With Neurodiversity Celebration Week just around the corner, the people we support have been exploring their creativity through baking, arts and crafts, poetry, and more. 🥳
In our Vibe service, the young people have been working on a collaborative canvas painting, turning a blank space full of possibility into a vibrant expression of their individuality. As one young person put it:
“Art is a celebration of different minds, where visual beauty and unique thinking styles come together to showcase the power of neurodiversity.”
We’re excited to reveal the final piece and showcase all the incredible creativity and effort that has brought it to life! 🎨🖌
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Vibe is our wellbeing service designed for neurodivergent young people aged 12-18 who are not in full-time attendance in mainstream education and require support to re-engage with learning opportunities. Based on the principles of developing and maintaining good health and wellbeing, we aim to reduce anxiety and build confidence. To find out more about Vibe, visit our website by clicking the link in our bio. 🔗
With Neurodiversity Celebration Week just around the corner, the people we support have been exploring their creativity through baking, arts and crafts, poetry, and more. 🥳
In our Vibe service, the young people have been working on a collaborative canvas painting, turning a blank space full of possibility into a vibrant expression of their individuality. As one young person put it:
“Art is a celebration of different minds, where visual beauty and unique thinking styles come together to showcase the power of neurodiversity.”
We’re excited to reveal the final piece and showcase all the incredible creativity and effort that has brought it to life! 🎨🖌
–
Vibe is our wellbeing service designed for neurodivergent young people aged 12-18 who are not in full-time attendance in mainstream education and require support to re-engage with learning opportunities. Based on the principles of developing and maintaining good health and wellbeing, we aim to reduce anxiety and build confidence. To find out more about Vibe, visit our website by clicking the link in our bio. 🔗
Inspired by the hit BBC show, the young adults and colleagues in our Gate service put their problem-solving and teamwork skills to the test in their own version of The Traitors. The game was full of excitement, and plenty of dramatic moments! 🔎
Beyond the fun, it was a fantastic way to build confidence, communication, and social skills in a supportive environment. It brought people together, encouraged new connections, was a great way to welcome a new young adult to Gate. As one young adult shared: “I was worried at the start as I didn’t know people, but by the end, I was proud of how I managed.”
They loved it so much that they’re bringing it back – this time, with challenges just like the show! 👏
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Gate is our skills development service supports neurodivergent young adults 16+ to explore opportunities and learn new skills to help them navigate and find their place in the world.
To find out more about this service, visit our website by clicking the link in our bio. 🔗
Inspired by the hit BBC show, the young adults and colleagues in our Gate service put their problem-solving and teamwork skills to the test in their own version of The Traitors. The game was full of excitement, and plenty of dramatic moments! 🔎
Beyond the fun, it was a fantastic way to build confidence, communication, and social skills in a supportive environment. It brought people together, encouraged new connections, was a great way to welcome a new young adult to Gate. As one young adult shared: “I was worried at the start as I didn’t know people, but by the end, I was proud of how I managed.”
They loved it so much that they’re bringing it back – this time, with challenges just like the show! 👏
–
Gate is our skills development service supports neurodivergent young adults 16+ to explore opportunities and learn new skills to help them navigate and find their place in the world.
To find out more about this service, visit our website by clicking the link in our bio. 🔗
This World Book Day, we’re celebrating the transformative power of reading! Books don’t just tell stories – they open doors to new worlds, spark creativity, and support personal growth. At The Donaldson Trust, reading plays a pivotal role in the lives of the people we support. 📖
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Peter and Pawel from our Treehouse service. Both thoroughly enjoy their reading sessions with our Learning and Wellbeing Practitioners. For them, books are more than just stories – they’re a vital part of their wellbeing, helping them relax, regulate, and engage in their day. 👏
#WorldBookDay
This World Book Day, we’re celebrating the transformative power of reading! Books don’t just tell stories – they open doors to new worlds, spark creativity, and support personal growth. At The Donaldson Trust, reading plays a pivotal role in the lives of the people we support. 📖
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Peter and Pawel from our Treehouse service. Both thoroughly enjoy their reading sessions with our Learning and Wellbeing Practitioners. For them, books are more than just stories – they’re a vital part of their wellbeing, helping them relax, regulate, and engage in their day. 👏
#WorldBookDay
Turning World Book Day into a whole week of book-filled fun at Gate! 📖🥳
Books offer endless opportunities to learn, grow, and relax, and we love seeing the people we support embrace the joy of reading. For neurodivergent individuals, reading can be a powerful tool for enhancing focus, communication, and emotional expression – so this year, our Gate service have been making World Book Day last all week!
On Monday, they visited our library, taking time to browse, discover new reads, and then unwind back at Gate with their new books, warm drinks and relaxing music. They were thrilled with the variety of books in the library — Disney and Marvel books were clear favourites! ⭐
Then today, they brought stories to life – dressing up as their favourite book characters in these amazing costumes, including Teletubbies, Gangster Granny, Hermione Granger, the Cheshire Cat, and Rosie the chicken from Rosie’s Walk! Their creativity made this celebration extra special. 🥰
Turning World Book Day into a whole week of book-filled fun at Gate! 📖🥳
Books offer endless opportunities to learn, grow, and relax, and we love seeing the people we support embrace the joy of reading. For neurodivergent individuals, reading can be a powerful tool for enhancing focus, communication, and emotional expression – so this year, our Gate service have been making World Book Day last all week!
On Monday, they visited our library, taking time to browse, discover new reads, and then unwind back at Gate with their new books, warm drinks and relaxing music. They were thrilled with the variety of books in the library — Disney and Marvel books were clear favourites! ⭐
Then today, they brought stories to life – dressing up as their favourite book characters in these amazing costumes, including Teletubbies, Gangster Granny, Hermione Granger, the Cheshire Cat, and Rosie the chicken from Rosie’s Walk! Their creativity made this celebration extra special. 🥰
It`s March, and that means the countdown is on to Neurodiversity Celebration Week! 🥳
This week is all about helping the world understand, value, and celebrate the incredible talents of neurodivergent minds.
There’s a fantastic programme of free education and training events happening online throughout the week. These sessions are a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity. You can explore the events and register here: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/events.
And here at The Donaldson Trust, we’re excited to share the celebrations with you! Keep an eye on our page during 17th to 23rd March for a week full of fun and inspiring content. 👀
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek2025 #NCW #NeurodiversityWeek
It`s March, and that means the countdown is on to Neurodiversity Celebration Week! 🥳
This week is all about helping the world understand, value, and celebrate the incredible talents of neurodivergent minds.
There’s a fantastic programme of free education and training events happening online throughout the week. These sessions are a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity. You can explore the events and register here: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/events.
And here at The Donaldson Trust, we’re excited to share the celebrations with you! Keep an eye on our page during 17th to 23rd March for a week full of fun and inspiring content. 👀
#NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek2025 #NCW #NeurodiversityWeek
Meet our new Trustee, Chris O`Donnell. 😊
Chris brings over 20 years of experience in the UK higher education sector, with a focus on health and social care. As Head of the Department of Psychology & Social Work at the University of the West of Scotland, he plays a key role in training Scotland’s future social workers.
Chris is a practicing Chartered Psychologist and has significant Safeguarding expertise, making him a valuable addition to our Board.
This week, Chris visited our campus to meet the team, explore our services, and see firsthand the impact of our work in supporting neurodivergent people.
Reflecting on his visit, he said:
"I am delighted to be joining the board at this exciting time for Donaldsons. I look forward to assisting the staff and people they work with to expand on their excellence and to achieve their ambitious for the future".
A huge thank you to Chris for taking the time to visit. We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to working together to drive societal change and make a difference with, and for, neurodivergent people! 👏
Meet our new Trustee, Chris O`Donnell. 😊
Chris brings over 20 years of experience in the UK higher education sector, with a focus on health and social care. As Head of the Department of Psychology & Social Work at the University of the West of Scotland, he plays a key role in training Scotland’s future social workers.
Chris is a practicing Chartered Psychologist and has significant Safeguarding expertise, making him a valuable addition to our Board.
This week, Chris visited our campus to meet the team, explore our services, and see firsthand the impact of our work in supporting neurodivergent people.
Reflecting on his visit, he said:
"I am delighted to be joining the board at this exciting time for Donaldsons. I look forward to assisting the staff and people they work with to expand on their excellence and to achieve their ambitious for the future".
A huge thank you to Chris for taking the time to visit. We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to working together to drive societal change and make a difference with, and for, neurodivergent people! 👏
Our ethos
“Through collaborations and partnerships, we can give children, young people and adults a voice; and help them find their place in the world.”
