Our Mission
Our Mission
Embedded Files
STAND exists to make Scotland a place where neurodivergent children, their families and their carers thrive.
STAND exists to make Scotland a place where neurodivergent children, their families and their carers thrive.
We are a small Scottish charity (SC052228) run mainly by volunteers, so our time and resources are focused on projects and services that create real, long-term change.
Our Remit
Our Remit
What we mean by “neurodivergent children”
What we mean by “neurodivergent children”
When we refer to "neurodivergent children" we include all children who are autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, or any other form of neurodevelopmental difference - as well as children who may be potentially neurodivergent.
If a parent, carer or professional recognises traits or behaviours that suggest a neurodivergent profile, we include that child within the meaning of "neurodivergent".
We also aim to support the family, carers, friends and wider network of all neurodivergent children.
Nobody should feel that they have to "prove" that their needs can be characterised in a certain way in order to feel included. We will never ask anyone to explain why they believe that they, or a child they care for, is or may be neurodivergent.
Click here for more information on what the term "neurodivergent" means.
Age range
Age range
Our work focuses on children and young people up to the point they leave school or children’s services.
We do not provide services for adults, though we recognise the impact of childhood experiences on adulthood and may sometimes contribute to wider policy discussions.
What we mean by “Scotland”
What we mean by “Scotland”
Our mission and all our projects are Scotland-wide.
Individual projects may focus on specific local authority or health-board areas — for example East Lothian or Ayrshire — so we can measure progress and share good practice nationally.
What does STAND do to achieve its aims and objectives?
What does STAND do to achieve its aims and objectives?
What we do
What we do
Run projects and services that have a clear, agreed remit.
Share reliable information through our website, STANDbook, newsletters and social media.
Provide moral support and a sense of community.
Work strategically with public bodies, politicians and partner organisations to influence change.
What we don’t do
What we don’t do
We are not an advice or advocacy service. That means:
We do not provide individual legal, medical or educational advice.
We do not take on or represent personal cases.
We do not correspond with individuals through social media.
Politics
Politics
We are not a party-political organisation and we do not engage in party-political activity. To the extent that STAND's views are aligned with any particular political party or organisation, this does not reflect endorsement of that party or organisation's views more generally.
Our Strategic Pillars and Objectives
Our Strategic Pillars and Objectives
Everything we do falls under one or more of our three key pillars: Inclusion, Support, and Empowerment.
Inclusion
Inclusion
All neurodivergent children should live in an inclusive and adaptable society and to have the same opportunities to learn, have fun and thrive as neurotypical children do.
Our key objectives under Inclusion are:
To ensure that society understands how to include and support neurodivergent children and recognises the benefits of inclusion.
To ensure that neurodivergent children can access the same opportunities in public and private services as neurotypical children.
To promote the social wellbeing of neurodivergent children.
Support
Support
Families and carers of neurodivergent children should be supported in all aspects of their lives in order to provide an atmosphere, love and understanding for neurodivergent children.
Our key objectives under Support are:
To improve the social wellbeing of families and carers.
To reduce barriers faced by families and carers when supporting neurodivergent children.
To ensure families and carers have the knowledge, skills and networks to provide effective support.
Empowerment
Empowerment
Families and carers of neurodivergent children should understand their rights, know how to enforce them, and have the confidence and motivation to do so.
Our key objectives under Empowerment are:
To strengthen families’ confidence and capacity to advocate for their neurodivergent children.
To promote a wider societal understanding of neurodivergent children’s rights.
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