Is October the time to start prioritising neuro-inclusion?
With ADHD Awareness Month, British Dyslexia Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day all falling in October, this month provides a timely moment to look at the bigger picture of neurodiversity, inclusion and mental well-being.
If you’re looking for a great place to start the conversation this month, listening to expert insights is a fantastic first step.
In this recent episode of ’What’s Up Docs?’, twin doctors @doctorchrisvt and @avantulleken dig into the facts and explore the narrative surrounding neurodiversity. Joined by Professor Duncan Astle (Professor of Neuroinformatics at @cambridgeuniversity), they explore everything from understanding diagnosis to reshaping how we view human variation and childhood development.
Neurodiversity is a term we hear regularly but bridging the gap between hearing the word and truly understanding it is essential for building inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
Listen to the full episode now on @bbcsounds 🎧
#NeuroInclusion #Neurodiversity #ADHDAwarenessMonth #DyslexiaAwarenessWeek #WorldMentalHealthDay @drchris_drxand
October is almost here and that marks the start of ADHD Awareness Month!
We’re all about sharing valuable tools and resources with our community which is why we`re shining the spotlight on the Global ADHD Conference which goes live tomorrow at 1PM.
Whether you`re looking for expert insight, practical strategies or new perspectives, here is what’s included:
• 36 expert speakers sharing insights on a range of topics
• 24+ hours non-stop content covering various aspects of ADHD
• Watch at your own pace – if you can`t tune in live, registering still gives you access to session recordings
Register here: https://globaladhd.com/
#ADHDAwarenessMonth #ADHD #Neurodiversity #FreeWebinars
At this critical juncture for neurodivergent rights, taking the perspectives and experiences of neurodivergent people and families to parliamentarians is absolutely vital. The change we all want to see rests, in part, on ensuring our decision-makers are mindful of the needs of our communities.
And collaboration is at the heart of our work, which is why our Policy Lead, Stephen Caulfield, and CEO, Lynn Wassell, have been spending time at Holyrood in recent weeks engaging in what has been a series of constructive discussions with MSPs. We have been encouraged by the cross-party consensus on the need for systemic change, and their willingness to stand up and drive positive change.
Over the course of these visits, conversations touched on several crucial issues, including: vital next steps for the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill; improvements to neuro-developmental assessment and support pathways; Additional Support for Learning (ASL); and ensuring neurodivergent voices are heard amid wider public service reform.
We have taken the opportunity to share more information on the evolution of our own service offer, highlighting how person-centred support empowers neurodivergent children, young people and adults to thrive.
We`d like to thank the MSPs who have taken the time to meet with us over recent weeks to listen, engage and plan future collaboration.
@geo_adam @lauramoodiesgp @calumrkerr
#Neurodivergence #ScottishParliament #PolicyAndAdvocacy #Neurodiversity #HumanRights
This #DyslexiaAwarenessWeekScotland, we’re proud to support our friends at @dyslexiascotland and their campaign “The Right Tools for the Job”.
Work and learning should be neuro-inclusive – built to fit people, not the other way around. Yet research by Dyslexia Scotland and @uofglasgow shows that less than half (41%) of adults with dyslexia in Scotland receive reasonable adjustments at work, and a quarter of them don’t find the support they get helpful.
As highlighted in a recent article in @thirdforcenews “For those of you without 20/20 vision, imagine struggling through life with the wrong lens prescription.” It doesn`t mean there`s anything wrong with you, it just means your environment isn`t working for you.
Whether it`s screen readers, training or adaptable processes, having the right tools for the job helps everyone thrive.
This #FundraisingFriday we want to wish the best of luck to all the fantastic runners taking on the Linlithgow 10k this weekend! 👟
A huge thank you to the event organisers, @linlithgowathleticsclub, for choosing to support us. This year, runners had the option to opt out of receiving a race t-shirt, with the saved production costs donated directly t#linlithgow10k
We are so grateful to everyone who chose to support us! These funds will go directly toward supporting neurodivergent children, young people and adults to help them realise their potential and thrive.
Looking for your next challenge? 🏆
Join Team Donaldson’s and take part in one of our fundraising events. Whether you’re walking, running, climbing, skydiving, or getting muddy for a good cause, every challenge helps raise vital funds and awareness.
Take on something extraordinary and help create opportunities for neurodivergent people across Scotland. 👏
Click the link in our bio and head to `Get Involved` to browse our events and find the challenge that fits your goals.
#Linlithgow10K
Yesterday, our Policy Lead, Stephen Caulfield, joined colleagues from across the neurodivergence and learning disability sectors for ‘Where Next for the LDAN Bill?’, a parliamentary roundtable facilitated by @joe.long.msp
The recent decision by @scotgov not to progress the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill left neurodivergent people feeling hurt, angry and disillusioned – especially after many dedicated their time and expertise, and shared lived experience toward its development.
However, the Scottish Government’s abandoning of the Bill cannot, and will not, mean the end of progress. There is simply too much at stake.
As the National Body for Neurodiversity, our commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of neurodivergent people in Scotland remains unchanged. Today’s roundtable sought to keep the aims and good intentions of the Bill alive; to reflect on the setbacks of this month, whilst exploring how we address critical, unresolved questions around delivery and ensure neurodivergent voices are heard.
The work carried out and proposals developed thus far must serve as a foundation for what comes next – not a lost effort. Motivated by the progress made today, we look forward to the next session and to working alongside our partner organisations to drive meaningful action.
#LDANBill #Neurodivergence #ScottishParliament #PolicyAndAdvocacy #Neurodiversity #HumanRights
@autisticsocietyscotland, @scottishautism, @dsscotland, @scldnews, @enable_updates, @pamis_scotland, @sema.scot, Scottish ADHD Coalition
Communication doesn’t stop at the classroom door. 📚
At The Donaldson Trust, we see every day how the right communication tools transform young lives.
Whether using simple visual supports or high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, communication aids give neurodivergent young people a reliable way to express themselves, process the world around them and make their voices heard.
When children are equipped with the tools that fit their individual needs, inclusion moves beyond school walls. 🏫
True inclusion means independence in the real world, whether that`s:
• Ordering a hot drink independently at a local café
• Navigating public transport with confidence
• Or simply engaging in everyday social interactions
As Kirsten Lamb, Speech and Language Therapist at our Sensational Learning Centre, highlights:
"When pupils are given the right tools to communicate, they gain far more than a means of expression. They gain confidence, independence, connection and a stronger sense of belonging. Both in the classroom and beyond."
Read Kirsten`s full article published in SEN Magazine by clicking the link in our bio. 🔗
Last week, we opened our doors at the Sensational Learning Centre for our Parent Open Afternoon, giving families a chance to explore our spaces and spend time with the team. 🏫
When home and school truly work together, young people thrive. An afternoon like this gives families a real look at the daily environment we create here – one built around acceptance, flexibility and tailored support.
More than anything, it’s about making sure parents know they’re part of this community, and that they have a genuine voice in their child’s learning journey. 📣
