When you have a neurodivergent brain, things that feel right for you might be different to what other people expect or need. It’s not easy to explain what you need, either, especially when you’re young; this can lead to people misunderstanding you. It can feel confusing and lonely.

If you feel like you are struggling with things that other kids appear to do easily – things like getting your hands messy in art class, or going on sleep overs, or joining Scouts – you can talk to an adult about how you are feeling. You deserve to be listened to and believed.

Whenever you start to feel like things are getting too difficult to mange, there are adults who are there to help.

When you’re not sure who to talk to about the help you need in school or at home, you can call the Highland Council Just Ask helpline. Many of the Highland Council and NHS Highland services can be contacted directly, if you know what you need; you can find their contact details here. And you can always go to a trusted adult at school. They want to help.

There are also lots of support groups and charities you can contact. If your parents/carers are looking for information on how to help you, they can contact Thriving Families, who will work with them to understand your additional support needs, decide what to do next, and tell them about other groups and services that might help you.

We’ve created a really big Resources database to help you look for what you need, when you need it. You can search by age group, topic, and lots more, to find the right information for you.

If you feel unsafe or like you need help right now to stay safe, please tell someone. If you don’t feel like you can talk to an adult you know in person, there are lots of organisations who want to help; they want you to contact them when you need help with the thoughts and feelings you are trying to manage.

You aren’t on your own.