Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity for young people in high school:
ND:Well
Sometimes it can be difficult to be neurodivergent, especially if someone has poorer mental health. It can help children and young people to talk to an adult who is not in their family, who understands and will listen to their thoughts and feelings in an accessible, safe and supportive place. ND:Well support with this through the following groups.
Wellbeing group
A group for autistic individuals aged five to 16 years covering topics such as emotional and mental wellbeing, people’s motivations, values, and the importance of special interests. They also cover how to meet physical, sensory, and emotional needs. The group learns some tools that can help build healthy wellbeing habits.
Understanding Autism group
A group for autistic individuals aged five to 16 years and their parents/carers to better understand what the diagnosis really means to each person attending. The group covers what autism is and how life experiences can be different for autistic individuals.
For more information visit ND:Well website or email
wellbeing@tailoredfoundation.co.uk
Barnardo’s sibling group
A fun, supportive group for children and young people aged seven to 12 years who have a sibling who is neurodivergent. Learn about neurodivergence, meet others with similar experiences, play fun games, and have an amazing snack. The group runs monthly on Saturdays from 10am to 11.30am at
Barnardos 111 Oxgangs Road North EH14 1EDFor more information and to book to attend the group email
Barnardo’s ND:Well service
Bookable advice sessions for parents or young people to access a sounding board and listening ear from a skilled and experienced support worker. They can provide access to information, resources and guidance as needed. They can also refer people into their services where suitable or signpost to other services across the city that will best fit your needs.
Craigmillar Library 101 Niddrie Mains Road, EH16 4DS. Monthly on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm.- 16 December 2025
- 2 December 2025
- 9 December 2025
To book a slot at one of the advice sessions add 'Advice Session’ to the subject line of an email to
Mindroom
Supporting neurodivergent children and young people up to the age of 25 years and their families. They support individuals with a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, Dyslexia or other neurodevelopmental conditions although no diagnosis is required to access the services.
Mindroom offers one-to-one support with a worker to spend time with, get to know and make a plan together for what an individual would like help with. They will help with improving confidence, wellbeing and being heard. A transition service is also delivered in some schools and provides one to one or small group support. It uses the Future Me resource to help identify goals, wishes and needs for the future.
Mindroom – Neuropoint
A group for young people aged 16 to 25 years who want to make the world a better place. The group meets online on the first Wednesday of each month from 6pm to 7.30pm.
Mindroom – Friday Comic Club
A group for young people to create and print comic art, from the ages of 14 to 18 years. The group meets in person on the First Friday of the month from 2pm to 4pm at
Out of the Blue Drill Hall 36 Dalmeny Street Leith EH6 8RGFor more information on Mindroom’s services visit Mindroom’s Facebook page and Mindroom’s Twitter (X) page or contact
0131 370 6730
Neuro Stars
A weekly support group for young people aged five to 16 years who have a neurodivergent diagnosis or are in the process of diagnosis. Young people can take part in a range of engaging activities, including messy play, arts and crafts and indoor and outdoor sports. Parents and carers can take some time for themselves in the adult group, connect with others and receive advice and information on a range of issues relevant to the group. Sessions run every Friday from 2pm to 3:30pm at
The Shed at Tynecastle Park Wheatfield St EH11 2NZFor more information visit the Big Hearts Community Trust website or contact
0131 603 4926
Activities for neurodivergent young people
Team United – Autism and neurodiversity football sessions
Sessions are for children and young people who have a neurodiverse diagnosis or are on the assessment pathway who are interested in participating in football. Sessions are mixed ability and experience. The sessions are about using football to create a fun and safe space where young people can get together and enjoy participating and making new friends. There is also the option to play in the Team United League and cup competitions. There is a cost attached to the group.
Sessions for children and young people aged 10 to 16 years teams:
- Edinburgh South meet at Gracemount High School, 136 Lasswade Road, EH16 6TZ
- Hutchison Vale meet at Saughton Sports Complex, Stevenson Drive, EH11 3BQ
- Hibernian Community Foundation meet at Portobello High School, 1 Milton Road East, EH15 3BY
- KSQ meet at Queensferry High School, 80 Station Road, South Queensferry EH30 9JX
- Big hearts meet at Tynecastle High School, 2 McLeod St, EH11 2ND
- Musselburgh Windsor meet at Pinkie Playing Fields, 19 The Grove, Musselburgh EH21 7HD
- Edinburgh City Foundation meet at Winchburgh Academy, 4 Linlithgow Road, Winchburgh, West Lothian, EH52 6FY
Sessions for young people aged 16 to 21 years:
- Edinburgh meet at Peffermill Playing Fields, Peffermill Road, EH16 5LL
For more information visit the Team United website or contact