About Us
About Us
Our Vision
Autism & Neurodiversity; a world of fulfilling and happy lives for those who think differently.
Our Mission
Creating opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent people, and their networks, to realise their full potential and transform the world we live in.
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Our History
Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND) was founded in 1987 by a small group of parents and professionals (Rose Clayton MBE, pictured with Claire, Shona and Billy above), who were concerned for the needs of autistic individuals, their parents and carers. We were the first organisation of our kind in the region to offer help and support to autistic individuals, their families and wider support networks.
Beginning as a support group, we have slowly expanded over time, firstly as a parent-run organisation in 1987 and later constituted into a charity in 1989.
As of October 2024, we have a growing staff team of almost 70 people (25 in 2021) and have provided direct, ongoing support and services to 186 individuals and families (100 in 2021) throughout Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highlands (North Scotland) in the last year alone, as well as providing support to 108 individuals through a variety of support groups in person (0 in 2021). This means in the last year, we have provided direct support to 284 individuals and families throughout the north of Scotland. We also have almost 700 members on our online support group and page.
Our Values
WE ARE INNOVATORS
We are not afraid to try new ideas or approaches. We welcome change and creativity.
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WE ARE HUMAN RIGHTS LED
We will protect and honour the human rights of all people. Treating all with respect, dignity and compassion.
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WE ARE THOUGHT LEADERS
We are ideas people. We nurture the skills, knowledge and ideas of our staff, families, fellow professionals and most importantly those we support to help inform, develop and improve our practice.
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WE VALUE RELATIONSHIPS
We are person centred in our approach. Relationships are key to what we do.
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WE ARE INFLUENCERS
We influence policy and procedure to improve access to support and services, including education and jobs. We strive to build awareness and understanding about our organisation, autism and neurodiversity.
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WE ARE PASSIONATE
We believe every child, young person and adult has the potential to shine bright. We believe magic can be created every day.
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Our Strategic Objectives
Our 4 key Strategic Objectives at A-ND are WISE;
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Whole Person:
"we will provide opportunities to autistic & neurodivergent people to support them have a fulfilled & happy life".
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Influencing:
"we will ensure the rights of autistic & neurodivergent people & their loved ones are understood, upheld & respected".
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Society, Community & Family:
"we will offer opportunities to the wider society, local communities & to loved ones of autistic & neurodivergent people to support them have a fulfilled & happy life".
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Employability:
"we will provide opportunities to autistic & neurodivergent people to support them meet their unique & individual potential".
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To help us realise our WISE objectives, we require Resources - WISER.
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