2025

The first day back at school can bring excitement, nerves, and everything in between,especially for neurodivergent young people.

Discover how the Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Service (East) used play to raise awareness, support families

Proprioception is our “hidden sense” — helping us know where our body is and how much force we’re using. This week in our Sensory Series, we explore proprioceptive sensitivities, what they can look like, and practical ways to support neurodivergent individuals.

🌊 This August, NEST is heading to the Isle of Arran with a series of free workshops – and a special session just for professionals. From understanding neurodiversity to practical tips for supporting Autism and ADHD, there’s something for everyone. Spaces are free but limited – book your place today!

When routines shift — whether planned or unexpected — it can feel unsettling for the whole family. This post shares simple, reassuring reminders to help you navigate changes with understanding and support.

Struggling with balance, motion, or coordination? The vestibular system might be the reason. This week in our Sensory Series, we’re breaking down what vestibular processing is — and how it can impact neurodivergent individuals in everyday life.

Ready for the school year? The NEST team share their favourite back-to-school must-haves to support comfort, confidence, and neurodivergent needs in the classroom.

From missed alarms to morning meltdowns — the start of the day can be one of the hardest times for neurodivergent people. But the right morning routine can offer comfort, structure, and calm.

What helps a neurodivergent young person re-engage with learning? In Part 2 of our series on school avoidance, we explore compassionate strategies that put wellbeing and trust first — not pressure.

Some people need more time to think, and that’s okay. This month’s SLT tip is all about why processing time matters — and how waiting just 10 seconds can make a big difference.

Exam Results Day can stir up a lot of emotions—excitement, nerves, uncertainty. Whether your results went as planned or not, we want to remind you of one simple truth: your worth is not defined by a grade. 💚

Scents can soothe, alert, or overwhelm — and for many neurodivergent individuals, smell plays a bigger role than we realise. In this week’s Making Sense of Sensory post, we’re diving into the world of smell sensitivities, from scent avoiders to sensory seekers, and how we can create more comfortable environments for everyone.

When a young person avoids school, it’s easy to jump to conclusions. But behind every refusal is a story. Let’s explore what school avoidance really means, especially for those who are neurodivergent.

Why do some people love bold flavours while others stick to plain pasta? In this week’s Making Sense of Sensory blog, we explore the sense of taste — and how sensory differences can shape eating habits, mealtime stress, and how we support neurodivergent individuals with confidence and compassion.

Change isn’t always easy — especially for neurodivergent individuals.Our Coping With Change workshop offers practical tools, emotional support, and simple strategies to help make transitions feel safer and more manageable. Watch anytime, for free, at www.nest.scot/videos.

For some people, light is painful. For others, the world feels dim or visually confusing. This week, we’re looking at how the sense of sight can be over- or under-stimulating for neurodivergent individuals — and how we can support visual needs with kindness and clarity.

Self-injurious behaviour can be distressing to witness, but it's often a sign of unmet needs, not "bad behaviour." In this blog, we unpack what SIB really means, why it happens, and five compassionate ways to support someone in the moment.

For many neurodivergent people, the world can feel like all-or-nothing — a good day or a disaster, a success or a total failure. This post explores why black-and-white thinking happens, how it can affect daily life, and what gentle support can look like.

Sound can be a source of joy—or overwhelm—for neurodivergent individuals. This week, we explore how the sense of hearing impacts daily life and how we can offer support when it’s too much (or not enough).

Many neurodivergent individuals mask their true selves to fit in but at what cost? In this blog, we explore what masking is, why people do it, and how to build a world where it’s safe to be your authentic self.