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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

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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. 🔗

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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. 🔗

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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

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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! 👏

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Our ethos

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.”

Laura Watkins, CEO The Donaldson Trust