A chat with The Donaldson Trust

The Donaldson Trust is the National Body for Neurodiversity.

Our vision is for a society in which neurodivergent people are understood, accepted, treated fairly and valued.

We provide a range of services to support children, young people and adults and we also influence change and empower neurodivergent voices. Through our neurodiversity training, consultancy and advisory service, we improve access and opportunity for neurodivergent people across a variety of settings and environments.

Support services for Neurodivergent children, young people and adults

The Donaldson Trust provides a range of services and support for neurodivergent children, young people and adults.

The Sensational Learning Centre is a school supporting neurodivergent children and young people with communication differences who benefit from learning in a small group setting with a high staff ratio.

Our focus on supporting them to improve their wellbeing and communication skills helps them to achieve their aspirations and goals. Encouraging their interests and building their confidence to embrace and find their place in the world, enables them to advocate for themselves.

Vibe is a wellbeing service for neurodivergent young people aged 12 to 18. Based on the principles of developing and maintaining good health and wellbeing, Vibe is specifically designed for young people who are unable to attend mainstream education on a full-time basis. By reducing anxiety and building confidence, young people can feel supported to re-engage with learning.

Our Gate and Treehouse services support neurodivergent adults (16+), providing a range of opportunities tailored to support individuals in achieving their goals and ambitions. Our focus on wellbeing, building

confidence and improving self-esteem means individuals can fulfil their potential.

Gate offers opportunities to learn new skills and improve wellbeing and confidence through a wide range of activities, including vocational and accredited courses.

Our Treehouse service provides tailored intensive, non-residential 2:1 support for neurodivergent adults, helping them to improve their wellbeing, and build their confidence, resilience, and independence.

Neurodiversity training

As the National Body for Neurodiversity, we support organisations in building a better workplace for neurodivergent employees, helping them to access neurodivergent talent, and supporting neurodivergent people to achieve independent, fulfilling careers.

It is estimated that 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent – that means potentially almost 15% of your workforce. It is estimated that this number could be higher as many either don’t have a formal diagnosis or are unwilling to disclose.

We support many of the UK’s leading employers to embrace Neurodiversity in the Workplace and create an environment that is inclusive and supportive of neurodivergent conditions, by providing advice, consultancy, resources, and training.

Embracing neurodiversity empowers both employees and employers to be more agile, creative, and innovative, with both reaping the benefits of working as part of a skilled and talented diverse team.

Influencing change for neurodivergent children, young people, and adults

We work to shape public policy on important issues, and this is guided by the lived experiences of the many people we support – and those of their families.

A core element of this is ensuring that the priorities, perspectives, and experiences of neurodivergent people (and their families) are visible to and understood by parliamentarians and decision-makers here in Scotland and beyond.

Our policy positions are informed by the experience of neurodivergent people; our campaigns are co-designed with neurodivergent people.

Working in partnership with allies across the ‘third sector’, academia, to improve outcomes and representation, we aim to be at the forefront of driving meaningful change.

We lead, campaign, and persuade, always placing neurodivergent people at the heart of what we do.

If you have a question about any of our services or need advice, contact us at info@donaldonson.org or call 01506 841 900.

If you are looking for neurodiversity training, we have a range of courses available. Contact Louise Storie, Head of Connect, at lstorie@donaldsons.org.uk or call 01506 841 900.

You can find out more about the work of The Donaldson Trust by visiting www.donaldsons.org.uk

The Donaldson Trust is making a difference with, and for, neurodivergent people.

Together we’ll find your voice.