2025

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.

How much does it cost to access NEST? Absolutely nothing. As an NHS Ayrshire & Arran service, all our workshops, advice, and support are completely free.

Explore how the sense of touch impacts daily life for neurodivergent individuals. Learn the differences between touch sensitivity and seeking behaviours—and discover practical ways to offer support at home, school, or in the community.

Not sure what support NEST can offer? This quick guide breaks down what we can and can’t do — and how we’ll always try to point you in the right direction.

Ever wondered why some people cover their ears at birthday parties or crave spicy food at every meal? In Week 1 of our Making Sense of Sensory series, we’re exploring the fascinating world of over- and under-sensitivity - what it looks like, how it feels, and why understanding it is key to supporting neurodivergent individuals.

🌟 Provost Claire Leitch is putting young carers in the spotlight by naming East Ayrshire Young Carers as her charity of the year! Find out why this matters and how her support is set to make a real difference. 👇

Not sure how to keep track of our latest free workshops? Here’s how to stay in the know - without missing a thing.

Wondering how to help your child talk more confidently? This month’s SLT tip is all about using stories and routines to support sequencing and expressive language.

Struggling with mealtimes? Our free workshop and companion workbook explore why selective and restrictive eating happens — and how to support without pressure. Watch anytime, at your own pace.

🧠 Feeling emotionally drained or shut down? It could be more than just stress — it might be neurodivergent burnout. This isn’t about laziness. It’s about the toll of trying to keep up in a world that doesn’t work for your brain. 💙 Read our latest blog to understand the signs and how to support recovery.

❓ Not sure if you need a diagnosis to reach out to NEST? You don’t — and you’re not alone. Whether you’re exploring neurodiversity, waiting on an assessment, or supporting someone else, you’re welcome at NEST. 💙 No diagnosis needed. Just reach out.

⏳ Why does someone need a bit more time to respond? For many neurodivergent people, processing time isn’t a delay — it’s a different way of thinking. In our latest blog, we explore what processing time really means, why it matters, and how to support it with patience and understanding. 💙