Neurodiversity in Scottish Schools (NISS)
Creating inclusive schools where all young people can thrive
The Neurodiversity in Scottish Schools (NISS) project is a multi-phase initiative led by Dr Jason Lang, with colleagues from the Adam Smith Business School, and the School of Education, University of Glasgow. The NISS project is working to improve experiences and outcomes for neurodivergent young people in Scottish secondary schools.
Neurodivergent pupils, including those who are autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia or other neurodevelopmental differences, often face significant barriers in education. Schools can feel overwhelming, inflexible or even unsafe for many young people, leading to higher rates of exclusion, non-attendance and poorer long-term outcomes.
The NISS project is working to change that.
What is NISS doing?
NiSS brings together neurodivergent young people, families, educators, health professionals and researchers to co-design practical solutions that help schools become genuinely inclusive.
Phase 1 of the project (2024-25) focused on understanding the key challenges and creating a framework for whole-school change. This was shaped through national workshops, interviews and collaborative design sessions with over 100 people across Scotland.
What have we found?
Our work shows that change is urgently needed, but also possible.
School need support to move away from deficit-based models of thinking about neurodivergence, towards an approach that recognises differences as a natural and valuable part of human diversity.
Key priorities identified include:
- Embedding neurodiversity into school culture, leadership and policy.
- Providing reflective practice and psychological supervision spaces for teachers.
- Ensuring the voices and expertise of neurodivergent young people and families shape everything we do.
- Developing flexible pathways for students who currently can't access traditional schooling.
What happens next?
In 2025-26 NISS will begin piloting its co-created framework in selected Scottish secondary schools. This will test whole-school approaches including:
- Neuro-affirming teaching strategies.
- Staff training co-delivered with lived experience experts.
- Student-lead tools for communicating support needs.
- Culture change initiatives that benefit the whole school community
Why does this matter?
This project is rooted in a simple idea: Difference is not deficit.
We believe that schools designed to include neurodivergent young people will be better, healthier and more human spaces for all students and staff.
The NISS Phase 1 project was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Impact Acceleration Account and supported by partners across education, health and the third sector.
Together we are working towards a future where every young person in Scotland can access an education system that recognises and values them just as they are.
