A heartfelt thank you and goodbye to Olu, who has been an amazing part of our admin team during maternity cover. Wishing her every success in her next chapter.

Many neurodivergent people seem ‘fine’ all day — then collapse at home. This post explores after work or school restraint collapse, why it happens, and how understanding it can replace shame with self-compassion.

H is for Honesty: exploring why neurodivergent honesty can look like oversharing or blunt truths, and how to support balanced, kind communication. Practical strategies for individuals, families, and professionals.

Self‑injurious headbanging can be scary and overwhelming to witness — but it isn’t “bad behaviour.” It’s communication. In this post, we explore why headbanging happens, what it can signal, and how to support someone safely and compassionately. From sensory needs to emotional overwhelm, we break down practical strategies that protect dignity, reduce harm, and help everyone understand the distress behind the behaviour.

We’re proud to celebrate NEST team member Celine Dyer’s nomination for the National Diversity Awards. Her lived experience, humility and community‑focused work are being recognised nationally.

At NEST, we know that sleep plays a huge role in day‑to‑day wellbeing . For many autistic people, sleep can be one of the most persistent and misunderstood challenges. And while this workshop focuses on autism, much of what we cover is also relevant to other neurodivergent conditions , including ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and more. Difficulties with sleep can affect: Energy levels and mood Emotional regulation Focus and learning Daily routines and independence These challenge

Masking helps some neurodivergent people feel safe — but it comes with a hidden cost. Learn why people mask and how we can create spaces where they don’t have to.

Discover the 2026 Autism Acceptance Day theme, “Autism & Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” and explore key statistics, challenges, and the urgent call for true inclusion.

G is for Glimmers! In this week’s A–Z of Neurodivergence post, we explore the power of small positive moments and how they can boost confidence, emotional regulation, and connection for neurodivergent individuals, families, and professionals.

The clocks go forward this Sunday. Learn how the time change can affect neurodivergent people and discover practical tips to support a smoother transition.

Support strategies aren’t universal. Discover why every neurodivergent person needs approaches that reflect their own sensory, emotional and communication needs.

Emotional regulation is a learned skill — and everyone develops it at their own pace. Discover gentle, neuroaffirming ways to support emotional regulation in children, young people and adults.

Curious about neurodivergence? Join our gentle, inclusive Intro to Neuro webinar and learn the basics in a friendly, easy‑to‑follow way. Sign‑up closes at 9am tomorrow — last chance to book! 💙💚💜

Join us as we wrap up Neurodiversity Celebration Week with gratitude for our amazing storytellers and local services. Now it’s your turn — tell us which Ayrshire organisations you want us to spotlight next.

For Neurodiversity Celebration Week, our team chose their favourite NEST resources from the past year — and it was far from easy! From sensory support to time blindness, reframing neurodivergence to emotional understanding, these picks reflect the heart of our work: compassion, accessibility and celebrating neurodivergent strengths.

Today we’re spotlighting the Ayrshire Adult ADHD Peer Support Network (AAAPSN), a volunteer‑led community supporting adults with ADHD across Ayrshire. With welcoming groups in North, South and East Ayrshire — including quiet, low‑sensory sessions — AAAPSN offers connection, understanding and a safe space for adults to share experiences without judgement.

Co‑regulation is one of the most powerful tools we have for helping children and adults feel safe, calm and connected. This gentle, neuro‑affirming approach explains how our presence and regulation can support someone else’s nervous system when emotions feel big. Learn what co‑regulation is, why it matters, and how to do it in everyday life.

“Regulation before expectation” is a compassionate, neuro‑affirming approach that helps people feel safe and ready to learn. This post explains what regulation is, why it matters, and how you can support someone during moments of overwhelm with calm, connection and practical strategies.

Discover how East Ayrshire’s Children’s Occupational Therapy team supports children and young people to take part in everyday life through flexible, accessible OT services.

Learn what NEST offers in this short welcome video from Programme Lead David Campbell, explaining how the service supports neurodivergent people and families across Ayrshire.