Children in Scotland connects with families and professionals at National Neurodiversity Shows
Children in Scotland joined families, professionals and people with lived experience at the National Neurodiversity Shows in Glasgow last week, taking the opportunity to share information about its services and hear directly from those navigating support systems across Scotland.
Held at Hampden Park on 11 September, the inaugural Scottish edition of the National Neurodiversity Shows brought together organisations, educators, healthcare professionals, parents, carers and neurodivergent people for a day of information-sharing, networking and learning. The event featured exhibitors, seminars and advice sessions focused on supporting neurodivergent children, young people and adults.
Representatives from Children in Scotland spoke with visitors throughout the day about a range of services, including Enquire, Children’s Views (My Rights, My Say) and Resolve Mediation, while also highlighting the organisation’s learning and membership opportunities.
Reflecting on the event, Marie Harrison, Service Manager for Children’s Views and Resolve Mediation at Children in Scotland, said:
We had an absolutely amazing day at the Neurodiversity Shows in Glasgow. The space was packed full of professionals, parents, carers and most importantly children and adults with lived experience of being neurodivergent.
The entire day was a string of exciting conversations with likeminded people who are working towards a more inclusive Scotland with room for everyone.
Marie said the event provided a valuable opportunity to connect families with support while learning more about the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
We were delighted to be able to direct parents and carers towards our services, Enquire, Children’s Views (My Rights, My Say) and Resolve Mediation. Equally we talked to a range of professionals about our learning offers and membership opportunities.
We took so much learning from these conversations. As always, talking to people with lived experiences helps us ensure that we as an organisation are focused on the things that really matter.
The National Neurodiversity Shows aim to create opportunities for people to access guidance, practical support and expert advice, while celebrating neurodiversity and encouraging more inclusive environments. The Glasgow event also featured a programme of seminars led by specialists, advocates and people with lived experience.
Marie noted that many conversations highlighted the ongoing pressures facing families seeking support for neurodivergent children and young people.
We heard from families and professionals how pressures are still very real around diagnosis pathways and access to support in schools.
But we also felt that there was a real sense of hope and excitement from professionals across the sector to continue to improve on existing systems and pathways – a real can-do attitude that shows us that the children’s sector in Scotland will keep on moving until we get it right for everyone.
Find out more about National Neurodiversity Shows.
