Learning About Neurodivergence

Anxiety is something that many young people experience, and it can have a big impact on daily life, learning, and relationships. For...

FASD is a spectrum condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. This blog explains what FASD is, the 10 key brain domains it can affect, and how awareness can reduce stigma and empower families.

Spitting can feel like a tricky behaviour to manage—but for many neurodivergent people, it’s a way of meeting needs or communicating. In this blog, we explore why spitting happens and share supportive strategies for families, carers, and professionals.

Vocal stimming is a natural way many neurodivergent people use their voice to self-regulate, express joy, or find focus. In this blog, we explore what vocal stimming looks like, why it’s important, and how we can support it with understanding and acceptance. 🎶💙

Interoception is our body’s hidden sense — the way we notice hunger, thirst, temperature, pain, and emotions. In this week’s Sensory Series, we explore how interoceptive sensitivities affect daily life and share practical strategies to support neurodivergent individuals.

Eye contact can feel natural for some, but overwhelming for many neurodivergent people. In this blog, we explore why eye contact can be difficult, why it should never be forced, and why avoiding it doesn’t mean someone isn’t listening. 💙

A social hangover is the exhaustion that follows social interaction. Learn what it means, how it shows up, and ways to cope.

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.

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.

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-care isn’t selfish—it’s how we survive, recharge, and stay grounded. In this blog, we share simple, neurodivergent-friendly ideas to help you build your own self-care toolkit. From sensory soothers to emotional support and structure, this post is packed with ideas that actually work.

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.