Neurodivergence is not a mental health condition, but we know that neurodivergent people are more vulnerable, than neurotypical people, to big emotions and mental health difficulties, such as stress, overwhelm, burnout, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder and suicidal thoughts and actions. The stress of having to cope in a neurotypical world without understanding about why things are tricky probably explains a lot of these difficulties, which become understandable reactions when we consider things like; social isolation, stigma, sensory overload, social communication differences, and the stress of ‘masking’ or trying to appear neurotypical and as if everything is fine, when it isn’t.
We’re a team of educator clinicians who work together with stakeholders, including those who are experts via lived experience of Neurodivergence, to strengthen understanding, inclusion and support for neurodivergent people across Scotland. At the heart of our work is a belief that language matters, and that every interaction should uphold human rights, dignity and respect. The words we use, and the values behind them, shape how people are seen, heard and supported.
Our resources are for everyone in the Scottish workforce, across agencies and in any job roles. We would love it if neurodivergent people could be understood and supported in every aspect of their daily lives by every worker they come across, whether in schools, colleges and universities, employment, in their communities, in physical health services, like GP surgeries, and in specialist mental health services.
Together, we hope these NES resources will help Scotland’s workforce put rights, respect and neuro-affirming practice into action and help build a more inclusive and compassionate society for everyone.
On these pages you will find a range of resources offering information around support and intervention for autistic people. Click on the links in the menu on the left for: