Aurora Consulting

13/10/2026

A couple years ago I’d a meeting with a school who told me they don’t use the word “disability”.

After I got over the initial gasting of my flabber I had Questions.

It turned out that they didn’t want to stigmatise their pupils. And some families also didn’t want to have their child identified as disabled.

And I did empathise with them - I’ve been a teacher who is teaching disabled children and their families didn’t want them to be identified as such at that time. But that didn’t mean no child could be talked about as disabled.

And this then led to further discussion about why we absolutely definitely need to use the word disability, and the school got “treated” to an impassioned speech from me. Highlights included:

Every Autistic person has the absolute right to decide whether or not they identify as disabled. Autism is a protected characteristic and we are entitled to reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Avoiding using a word to describe any marginalised community to avoid stigma actually achieves the opposite. It increases the stigma. And often leads to those who are part of that community to feel ashamed of that part of their identity.

One of the best ways to destigmatise disability is to talk openly about it. All of it. We can’t change things unless we know about them.

Disability is one of life’s experiences that any one of us could experience at any time. Even if you don’t become disabled yourself, chances are someone you know or even love may become disabled one day. Eliminating the stigma helps everyone.

Talking about it at a young age means disabled kids can grow up knowing we are disabled by society, and learn how to advocate for reasonable adjustments. This could be adjusted lighting, using accessible toilets, using different entrances and exits from colleagues and fellow students.

Taking about it means we can feel better about applying for Adult Disability Payment, getting concessionary entry into attractions, and giving ourselves permission to set our own boundaries that match our needs. We can reach out to the disability community, charities, and other organisations for support.

Talking about it in schools means our non disabled peers grow up knowing that disability exists, that disabled people have rights, and see them being met in action.

Talking about disability as a society means we can strive towards disabled people being seen and treated with equity.

I am both physically disabled and Autistic.

I have innate value as a human being just as all human beings do.

Disability is not a bad word, and it’s essential we destigmatise disabled experiences.

11/10/2026

Happy International Coming Out Day!

People often have this idea that you come out once and you’re done, but it’s something we consistently do every time we tell someone new who we are.

So hi everyone 👋 I’m Marion. As well as being Autistic, I’m non binary and pan!

I am so grateful to my lovely supportive community who see and embrace me for who I am.

There is a huge intersection between the Autistic and LGBTQ+ communities - supporting the Autistic community means supporting the LGBTQ+
communities.

Coming out as either Autistic or LGBTQ+ isn’t something that happens once and it’s done. It’s something we have to do again, and again, and again whenever we meet someone new. And if like me you’re part of that double rainbow of being in both communities, it’s doubly so!

So how can you be supportive if someone comes out to you?

🏳️‍🌈 Thank them for trusting you with that information
🏳️‍🌈 Don’t assume it’s public knowledge – they may not be ready for everyone to know
🏳️‍🌈 Don’t judge. It may not be your experience but that doesn’t make it valid
🏳️‍🌈 Ask if there is anything you can do to support them
🏳️‍🌈 Talk about places they may be able to access support such as Four Pillars or Equality Network
🏳️‍🌈 Recognise that they are still the same person they have always been!

And if you’re not ready to come out yet, that’s totally ok! You don’t owe anyone your identity, and it doesn’t make you any less part of the community.

+
***r ***r

11/10/2026

Ah the happy, tired face of someone starting annual leave!

I am taking two weeks of annual leave and phew, this last term has been busy, busy, busy! I’ve been doing so much writing, presenting, meeting new clients, community work, and more, it’s been fantastic.

Big highlights have been working with dear friends at SWAN Autism - Scotland and The Autistic Collective CIC - East Renfrewshire! I am still bowled over by the Su***de Prevention event with SAMH.

And it’s a real privilege to be able to support the community effort to support The Autistic Advocate, I just dare anyone to tell me that Autistic community isn’t real! This is why I love my community and culture. Jade Farrington - Counsellor and Therapist and GROVE - Online Community & Mentoring for Autistic Young People have been doing an amazing job rallying folks, bringing people together, huge respect for them.

So I am definitely in need of a proper break! And I have loads of fun things planned for when I get back including our festive infodump date announcement, watch this space 🙌

I’ll still keep posting as much as I can but I am so looking forward to loads of time with my family and friends, time hiking, time drawing, time gaming, time doing absolutely nothing.

I can’t wait!

11/10/2026

Without Kieran Rose, Spectrum Gaming would never have existed.

When I first started my advocacy journey, Kieran approached me with kindness. He gave me his time, became a mentor and helped me believe that what I had to say mattered. He also wasn’t afraid to tell me when I was being silly, helping me reflect and make sure I was heading in the right direction.

Without his support, mentorship and guidance, I would never have had the confidence or bravery to do so much of the work I’ve done. His kindness has reached far beyond me, into the lives of every young person who has found friendship, belonging and understanding through SG.

Now Kieran and his family need support as he goes through cancer treatment.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting his family, and they are all incredible. I’m honestly gutted that they’re facing this.

We don’t normally share appeals, but Kieran has been such an important part of our story that it feels right share this one that was made and shared by some awesome people in the autistic community.

**This is a separate fundraiser supporting Kieran and his family. Any donations through the link go to the appeal, not to Spectrum Gaming.**

I’ll put the donation link in the comments. If you can’t donate, a like, comment or share can still help this reach someone who can.

Kieran helped me find the courage to build something that has helped so many people. I hope we can now show him and his family some of the kindness he’s shown to others. ❤️

- Andy

09/10/2026

This morning I woke up, feeling good, I opened my news apps and well - I started to swear.

There is another Westminster report out today which news outlets report include “ADHD and autism at risk of over diagnosis”. I began anticipating a flood of misinformation filling the day. I hope the report is more nuanced than the headlines but as we all know, many people only read the headlines and no further.

I didn’t have to scroll through the news app for long before finding the snippet pictured below on the BBC News.

There is so much wrong with this, and major news networks should be making a much better effort to share better quality information. To paraphrase Luke Skywalker it’s impressive how wrong it is.

I’m not gonna rewrite info on ADHD - I’m not an ADHDer so that’s not my place. But had they asked for a sensitivity reading here’s how I may have edited:

Autistic people have differences in how our minds perceive and process information. It is not a medical disorder or condition, it is a natural variation in humanity. Being Autistic is heritable, Autistic people are born Autistic and remain so their entire lives.

Being Autistic means having an interest based nervous system where we can enter a highly focused attention tunnel. This is described as having a monotropic focus. Monotropism is a key component to understanding of what it means to be Autistic.

With the right reasonable adjustments, understanding, and support, Autistic people can live full lives.

Many Autistic people face substantial difficulties with ableism, stigma and their rights not being met.

Many are multiply neurodivergent meaning they may also be ADHD, dyslexic, etc, some also have a learning disability. These can all influence our expressions and experiences of being Autistic. It is important that all intersecting aspects of their identities are supported.

Autistic people are found in all cultures, genders, ethnicities, religions, etc.

Qualities and characteristics relating to being Autistic - including hyper focus, social differences and being freaking awesome - occur in varying degrees across the population, but that is not the same as being Autistic.

Ok the last part has some artistic license but if they can make stuff up, so can I.

08/10/2026

Going to the hairdresser as an Autistic person can be tough!

I have had the same hairdresser for about 20 years which absolutely makes going to the hairdresser much easier. We know each other well and I feel well supported and understood by her. She is fab!

But trips to the hairdresser can also be stressful for many, especially Autistic children. Not everyone wants or needs regular haircuts, but for those who do here are some barriers they may face when going to the hairdresser:

• Lots of noises from music, low level chatter, hoover, hair dryers, bell when the door opens, etc

• Small talk with the hairdresser

• All the smells from the different products, coffee, perfumes, nail polish, etc

• Someone touching your head

• Temperature changes while getting hair washed

• Looking different once the hair has been cut

• All the mirrors

• Sitting still for the haircut

• Phoning to make appointments

Some hairdressers specialise in supporting Autistic and otherwise disabled clients, and ensure that they have set up their salon in a way that better supports sensory needs. Some hairdressers are also happy to make house calls to see their clients in an environment which suits them best, where they are most comfortable.

Regardless of whether it’s a cut from someone at home, a house call, or a trip to the salon, there are a number of things that can be done to help make getting a hair cut go more smoothly for yourself or Autistic youngsters:

All the info in advance

Ask for as much information to be shared as possible - the name of the person cutting the hair, photograph of them and of the salon (some of this may be available on the salon’s social media or website).

With Autistic young people you can also talk with them about when they are going, how long the trip will take, what they can do afterwards to help answer any and all questions they may have. It also helps to discuss why they are getting their hair done, what it will look like, and reassurance that their hair will grow back.

They may benefit from this information being written down, texted to them, in a poster, drawn out, or any other method that works for them.

Explore how you can book your appointment

Some salons are able to book appointments online, via text, through apps, and a host of other ways, not just through the phone. If you or your young person would like alternative ways to make the appointment, it’s worth enquiring about what options they have and asking for your preferred method of communication where possible.

Go for a dry run

Pop along to the salon at a time when it’s quiet so you can meet the hairdresser. They can talk about what they want to happen at the appointment, have a look at the hair cutting tools, smell the shampoo if they are considering getting their hair washed, and explore any other aspect of the salon or appointment that would help them.

Watch TV shows / read books where a character gets a hair cut

Some TV shows for young children show what it is like to go along to a salon and get a hair cut. This can help them be aware of some of the things they might experience and let them know what kinds of questions they may want answered. Books on the topic can be great to share and your local librarian should be able to help you find some as well as finding some online.

Role play

Role play is a wonderful way to explore new experiences. Having toys pretend to get their hair cut, pretending to give a loved one a hair cut, can help build up to them having a go at being the person getting the hair cut. It also allows them the opportunity to explore what kind of things will help them. If they are at nursery or school, they may be able to support by setting up a hair salon role play area, or you may be able to create one at home.

Talk about boundaries and how to advocate for them

It is vital that our children learn that they can put up boundaries when it comes to other people touching their bodies. Having someone touch their hair may be incredibly uncomfortable and they may need breaks at times. Talk about what kind of signal you/ they can give to say they need a break and ensure the hairdresser is aware of this too. You can role play noticing their signal and taking breaks before the haircut to build their trust and confidence. Some Autistic people find light touch very difficult and may prefer a stronger touch or vice versa. Talking about what kinds of touch on their head can be most comfortable can help. They may be able to demonstrate to another person what feels comfortable to them, and a head massage may help them to get their head warmed up and ready to go.

Schedule in a time when salon is quietest

Talk with the salon about what times are the busiest and to be avoided, and when is the quietest time. You can also speak with them about adjusting the volume of music and any other sensory input to make it more accessible.

Request for no small talk, or only talk about fave topics

Having someone asking random questions may be difficult, especially if they choose topics you find hard to discuss. Building up a relationship with the hairdresser so you talk about hobbies, interests, and other things you enjoy might make the time pass faster and be more enjoyable. Some Autistic people prefer not to have to talk at all during appointments. Having a regular hairdresser that you have built up a rapport with can be incredibly helpful for making future appointments easier.

Build in movement breaks

Sitting still for too long can be difficult for many Autistic people, and making sure the hairdresser knows that you/they need movement breaks can help a lot. Some hairdressers may be happy to go with the flow and cut hair while your young person is playing with blocks or other toys on the ground, walking around a table with toys, or some other form of distraction.

Bring along comfort items

Comfort items such as fidget tools, books, toys, blankets, or anything else they find comforting can help a lot. Sometimes having good sensory input can help while we are processing dysregulating sensory input.

Regular reminders of how far through the appointment they are

Knowing how far through the appointment they are can help increase confidence. Having a rough time frame can increase accessibility too. Being more than halfway through, getting closer to the end, may mean it’s easier to keep going.

Praise throughout if tolerated

Not all Autistic people tolerate praise well, but if they do, regular small reminders of how well they are doing can be useful.

Call it a day when they need to

Sometimes getting a haircut is just a step too much, especially if anxiety is high. Rescheduling or finishing the appointment on another day may be the best option to avoid feelings of overwhelm. They / you will not be the first or last person to have to end an appointment halfway through, the rest can be done another day soon.

What have you done to make hair appointments easier for you?

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

“My kid doesn’t follow the social story they got from the hospital / school”

I’ve heard this so many times.

And no wonder, if it was a generic social story not made with the child.

Every child is different, every child is unique, and any guide created for them should be tailored together with their in mind.

I am a huge fan of neuroaffirming guides

A neuroaffirming guide should be created in collaboration with the Autistic person in question and take the format that works best for them.

Some will respond best to music and one family I worked with made up songs to help their young one learn new skills and prep for their day ahead.

🎶 Patrick needs to do a poo
Now it’s time to go to the loo🎶

It worked beautifully!

Some Autistic people love written stories with pictures in place of words, some prefer all words with pictures of where they are going when prepping for an outing.

Some people love short snappy bullet points
Some love a paragraph of text

Another family I know wrote a picture book about Neep from Abney and Teal learning to use the toilet when their young one was doing the same. They wrote it in the style of the Abney and Teal books with their young person every step of the way and them helping to make the pictures. And the first time they used the loo they shouted “I’m just like Neep!”

Having agency and autonomy over the guide means it is much easier to connect with it.

With the October holidays around the corner more and more of us might be making up stories, guides, and plans for the day. If you’re making one, be sure to include your young one as much as possible and consider including:

What time you are going to leave
Things you might need to take
When you will get there
What you will do when you get there
Where you might eat
Where the toilets are
Reassurance about when you can leave
How long it’ll take to get home
What you can do when you get back

And any other information that might be helpful for them

If they are using a guide for a new skill consider including:

What the new skill is
Why they are learning it
How to take each step at a time
How the new skill will benefit them
Reassurance they have your support each step of the way

And any other information that might be helpful to them!

Working with how the Autistic person best learns and retains information, giving them the info they need, and making sure it’s accessible, can make an enormous difference.



ID Examples of ND affirming guides shared with permission

07/10/2026

I loved the session yesterday and so excited for this next one!

We are looking at Autistic wellbeing and unofficial trilogy names are up for grabs! Autistic joy strikes back? The two passionate interests? Autistic Jones and the temple of stims? All suggestions welcome!

⭐ NEW EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT!

⭐ 'Supporting Autistic mental health and wellbeing' with Marion McLaughlin

⭐ 11th November 10.00am - 12.00pm

⭐ Open to parents, family carers and professionals in East Renfrewshire only
Hot-on-the-heels of the first in our brand new trilogy of sessions across the Autumn with Marion McLaughlin at Aurora Consulting, we’re delighted to announce details of the second.

‘Supporting Autistic mental health and wellbeing’ takes place on Zoom on Wednesday 11th November from 10.00am - 12.00pm. Our Autistic Collective team would love you to join us as Marion explores what Autistic mental health and wellbeing looks like.

We will cover a range of topics including common mental health concerns, school trauma, RSD, sleep, eating…..and crucially how to support access to the things that bring us joy. This session will be followed by a short Q&A session and discussion, and includes:

✨ What does a good quality of life look like?

✨ Barriers to wellbeing

✨ Supporting Autistic wellbeing

✨ Managing meltdowns

✨ Self care and boundaries

✨ Supporting Autistic joy and passionate interests

Here at The Autistic Collective, we pride ourselves on being informed and guided by what we hear in feedback from our participants across East Renfrewshire.

True to form, Marion’s upcoming sessions will be a mash-up of all of YOUR most frequently requested topics, complemented by loads of research and other invaluable insights, guidance and tips.

The topics you most tell us you want to hear more about are: all things school related, Demand Avoidance / PDA, Burnout and mental health concerns. As such, these topics will be woven throughout all three sessions in the series.

This session is suitable for parents and carers, and professionals supporting folks of ALL AGES (including adults) and at ALL STAGES of their journeys and learning.

Please Note: There will be a separate registration process for each of the three sessions….you will need to register for each session as and when we announce them.
Our trilogy of sessions is made possible thanks to the support of the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, delivered locally by VAER The Community Hub East Ren and funded by The Scottish Government.
⭐ WHO IS THIS SESSION FOR?

Parents and family carers in East Renfrewshire. You do not need a formal diagnosis to take part. You may simply be exploring to see if any of this fits for your family. We recognise everyone is at a different place on their journey.

We also welcome with open arms professionals in East Renfrewshire who support Autistic people and their families. As we all learn together, side by side.

We work hard to create safe (as can be) spaces to ensure ALL participants feel as comfortable as possible. Speakers and hosts (that's us) included.

Our events and activities are always informed and guided by what we hear from East Renfrewshire folks and speakers during sessions and afterwards in our feedback forms.
⭐ WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON THE DAY?

This will be an informal Zoom session in a slide presentation format, packed with loads of info and research.

After brief introductions and a wee bit of Zoom housekeeping, Marion will work their way through their presentation slides. The slides section of the session will be recorded.

Once the slides have finished, we’ll stop the recording. There will be time for a short Q&A at the end.

Huge caveat - our speakers always endeavour to answer as many questions on the day, as they can. Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, it’s simply not possible. We know you’re all extremely busy people, and we’ll be going for a 12.00pm finish.

Whilst some difficult themes may arise, we always aim for informative and empowering, in a nurturing environment. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, inclusive bunch.
⭐ HOW DO I REGISTER TO BOOK MY PLACE FOR THE SESSION ON THE 11th NOVEMBER?

Note: This event is open to parents, carers and professionals in East Renfrewshire only.
Please register to book your fully-funded place using the link below.

Register at www.autistic-collective.org

Can’t join us live on the day itself? Don’t worry, please register anyway. All registrants will get access to the recording and extra resources afterwards.
Only the presentation slide section will be recorded.

In the recording, the speaker will be the only person visible on your screen, and comments made in the chat box on the day will have been removed.

All participants’ autonomy, privacy and safety is utmost here at The Autistic Collective!

Any queries, or for further info please email [email protected]
⭐ WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SPEAKER AND HOST?

MARION McLAUGHLIN

Marion is the Managing Director of Aurora Autistic Consulting, an initiative aiming to ensure that people, businesses, institutions and cultures understand the needs of the Autistic community.

In addition to being a late identified Autistic, Marion is a qualified Primary teacher and former charity CEO. Marion has significant experience of working with Autistic people of all ages and abilities on a wide range of issues ranging from supporting Autistic toddlers to preparing to move into a care home and a great many things in between.

An experienced trainer, Marion has experience working with senior leaders in a wide variety of settings to ensure the greatest possible inclusivity for Autistic people.

Marion founded and chairs Autistic Pride Aberdeen, hosting multiple events per year. Marion also released what they believe to be the first ever picture book on Autistic Pride earlier this year, Morven's First Autistic Pride.

Marion is also a member of the LGBT+ community and a passionate advocate for improved health care for Autistic people.

https://www.facebook.com/auroraautisticconsulting
THE AUTISTIC COLLECTIVE CIC

The Autistic Collective is a Not-For-Profit Community Interest Company, made up of a small team of passionate parent/carer volunteers.

We support parents and family carers - and anyone who supports Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD people and their families in East Renfrewshire - through learning and empowerment.

We signpost to and collaborate with neuro-affirming Autistic/Neurodivergent-led organisations and speakers, authors and content creators to host learning events and activities to educate from the Autistic (and multiply Neurodivergent) lived-experience perspective.

Please check out and follow our page. Feel free to share with friends, family and professionals/colleagues. Your support means the world to us, as it allows us to reach more families in need.

https://www.facebook.com/AutisticCER
Poster design credit: Laura Gwafa The Marketing Department (TMD)

Big thanks, as always to Laura, James and Chris for all the wonderful support!

05/10/2026

One of the things I love about community is people coming together to support each other. The Autistic Advocate’s work is absolutely amazing and seeing people rally is a beautiful sign of just how well respected and well thought of he is.

I think one of the most damaging myths in Western society is that of independence.

It creates a false dichotomy between the supporter and supported, the dependent and the one giving the help.

The reality is, we’re all interdependent. No one can survive for any length of time if they’re truly alone – and it would be a miserable existence if we tried.

So many of us have an aversion to seeking or accepting help. We’ve been told it’s wrong to do so; it’s come laden with conditions or been refused outright; or we’ve been made to feel weak. There’s strength in recognising that we all have constant roles to play supporting others and being supported as our needs and capacity allow.

Community means giving as we’re able, and receiving help when we need it instead of struggling in isolation. Most frequently, we need support and can offer it at the same time, in dozens of different ways.

Kieran Rose is a massive source of support for so many Autistic people, families, and professionals who want to do better.

When Kieran announced his prostate cancer diagnosis there was a huge outpouring of sadness, love and gratitude from the Autistic community.

So many stories were shared on social media about how wholly life-changing – or life-saving – Kieran's work as The Autistic Advocate is for so many people around the world.

Kieran has given vast numbers of people the understanding they need to accept themselves and others; to be better people, parents and professionals; or even to still be alive today.

Kieran has been, and remains, instrumental in shifting the narrative around autism and Autistic people from pathologisation, disorder and stigma, to difference, disability and hope.

The Autistic Advocate is not just Kieran. His wife, Michelle, works behind the scenes doing admin and everything that makes their life-changing work possible. Their vital work supports the family, including their three children.

Kieran’s capacity is severely curtailed during treatment and convalescence. Meanwhile, bills still have to be paid.

Kieran and Michelle give so much to Autistic people, families, and the professionals who support them. Now they need our support too. Whatever you can give will help relieve some of the financial pressure and help them focus on getting through this as a family. If you aren't in a position to help financially, please share the appeal. You can also help it reach more people by commenting and heart or care reacting.

“None of this is about me. It's about a collective us. A group of us, diagnosed and undiagnosed who share collective difficulties and experiences; who deserve better than we got, than we are getting. It's about recognising that we are invested in a civil rights movement for Autistic people, that Autistic culture is a valid reality.” - Kieran Rose