As Bonfire Night approaches, many of us look forward to the sparkle of fireworks, the glow of bonfires, and the sense of togetherness that comes with community celebrations. But for some neurodivergent people, this time of year can be far from enjoyable.
The loud bangs, flashing lights, and unpredictability of fireworks can be distressing and overwhelming for those with sensory sensitivities. Many neurodivergent adults – and parents of neurodivergent children – choose not to celebrate at all because the experience can trigger stress, anxiety, and discomfort.
At The Donaldson Trust, we believe that celebration should never come at the expense of someone else’s wellbeing. That’s why we’re proud to join the Fireworks Safety Campaign by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, encouraging everyone to be mindful, kind, and considerate during Bonfire Night.
By choosing quieter fireworks, attending organised displays, or letting neighbours know before setting any off, we can help make the night a little brighter – and safer – for everyone.
Find more fireworks safety advice here 👉 bit.ly/FireworkSafety2025
#BonfireNight #FireworksSafety
Halloween may be over, but we’re still celebrating the fun and creativity that took place across our services last week. 🎃
It was a week full of pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, themed arts and crafts, and some spook-tacular costumes! 👻
We know that Halloween can feel overwhelming for many neurodivergent people. That’s why we made sure all our activities were accessible and adaptable – so everyone could join in at their own pace.
Thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make this Halloween fang-tastic!
P.S. Make sure you swipe to the end and turn your sound up – you won’t want to miss this costume! 👀🦕
The Donaldson Trust presents… The Pumpkin Carving Competition 2025! 🎃
After last year’s spooktacular success, we brought back our Pumpkin Carving Competition for 2025 – and invited colleagues and the people we support to get creative once again. The response was incredible!
From minions to The Singing Kettle, painted pumpkins to carved masterpieces, and even a Henry Hoover – the creativity on display was truly amazing. 🤩
Our judges had a terrifyingly tough time choosing the winners – every entry was fantastic!
Do you agree with their final decision? 👀
Starting to think about what`s next for your neurodivergent child after school? 🤔
Or, maybe they finished school in June and are still looking for the right path? You`re not alone in asking:
💭 What happens now?
💭 Where can they find the right support?
💭 How can they keep growing and feeling confident?
At Gate, we`re here to help you find the answers.
We are a safe and supportive next step where your young adult can build confidence, find their place, and create a future that truly fits them. We offer year-round intake to help neurodivergent young adults (16+) move towards a positive, independent future.
Come along to our Open Evening to find out more:
See first-hand how Gate can help your family confidently navigate the next steps in adulthood. At our Open Evening, you`ll get to:
👉 Walk through our calm, neuro-inclusive spaces.
👉 Meet our friendly, expert team.
👉 Learn exactly how we build essential skills and lasting confidence.
The right time to start planning is now. Let us show you how.
📅 Thursday 20th November
⏰ 5 – 7pm
📍 GATE, The Donaldson Trust, Preston Road, Linlithgow EH49 6HZ
Click the link in our bio to find out more. 🔗
#LifeAfterSchool #AdultServices #SchoolTransitions #NeurodiversitySupport
Before the October break, we had a very special visitor to our Sensational Learning Centre. We were joined by Iain Hill and his 8-month-old yellow Labrador puppy, Bob, from @guidedogsscot! 🐶
The pupils were fully engaged, asking questions, sharing ideas, and listening carefully as Iain explained the important role guide dogs play in supporting people with visual impairments. For many, their visit brought extra curiosity and excitement, making the learning experience even more memorable.
Visits like these are a fantastic opportunity to boost communication, encourage participation, and build awareness and understanding – although meeting a cute puppy was certainly a standout highlight! 🥰
A huge thank you to Iain – and Bob, of course – for visiting us!
A special moment at Treehouse 🥰
Chalking the path is a usual part of Liam’s routine at Treehouse – a calming, creative activity that he enjoys every week. However recently, while drawing with chalk alongside his support team, Liam reached a very special milestone.
As the colours were being named, he proudly repeated one out loud – his very first word since starting with us at Donaldson’s. A truly special and joyful moment for him and our team! ⭐
Moments like this remind us of the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces where young adults can thrive in their own way.
Find out more about Treehouse on our website: https://www.donaldsons.org.uk/treehouse/
The story of Tom Boyd, a young autistic man who volunteered over 600 hours at his local supermarket only to have his placement ended when his family asked about paid work, has rightly sparked a media storm.
While his original employer missed a huge opportunity, the swift offer of paid employment from another supermarket is a moment of celebration – and a vital learning opportunity for all employers.
This wasn’t just an oversight – it was corporate rigidity actively failing a highly talented neurodivergent person. Every employer must learn this critical lesson.
As our Head of Connect Training, Louise Storie, shared a clear and direct message on BBC Radio Scotland this morning: We must stop treating neurodiversity as a deficit and start embracing it as a strength.
Real Inclusion Demands Action:
✅ Stop viewing neurodiversity as a deficit; start seeing it as a strength.
✅ Challenge Rigidity; Reform systemic policies that block local inclusion.
✅ Commit to Belonging; Co-design support and create safe, thriving environments.
We can – and must – do better. True inclusion builds systems that empower talent.
🔗 Read more on our website and head to `News & Views`
(Photo credit: Frances Boyd)
Before the October break, our Sensational Learning Centre welcomed @dunedinconsortscot for a relaxed performance combining music, storytelling, and BSL-integrated dance. 🎷🎶
The visit created an inclusive space for the pupils to enjoy the arts, connect with musicians and even explore the instruments up close. 😄
🔗 Click the link in our bio and head to `News & Views` to read more about the performance in our latest blog.
📸 Photographs by Andy Catlin
