Diversified
2216. Kaydi Scottsville
Kaydi Scottsvillle, aged 17, from West Lothian, founded her charity ‘Diversified’, in 2021, when she was 14 after being diagnosed with autism and ADHD and struggling in school.
Following her diagnosis, Kaydi was unable to attend high school, and started ‘Diversified’ to help others and to tackle the feeling of isolation, often experienced by neurodivergent people. Kaydi received official funding, and fundraised by selling fidget toys on her website, enabling her to set up the ‘Together Project’, supporting other autistic young people and their families by creating dedicated social opportunities.
In 2022, ‘Diversified’ gained charitable status, and Kaydi established the first autistic designed and run dedicated youth facilities hub in Scotland, providing a safe space where autistic young people can come together to share experiences, feel understood and find the best individual support mechanisms.
The charity hosts a range of social groups including holiday clubs and online games nights, as well as offering tutoring. In January 2023, Kaydi launched ‘Aspire’, an innovative out-of-school wellbeing and alternative learning service, which, together with Kaydi’s charity, is supporting thousands of neurodivergent young people in West Lothian and Edinburgh.
In a personal letter to Kaydi, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“I was inspired to learn how you are using your own experiences of autism and ADHD to create an innovative out-of-school alternative learning service that is supporting thousands of neurodivergent young people.
“I understand you have also set up the first youth facilities in Scotland which are autistic designed and run, providing a dedicated safe and social space where autistic young people can authentically be themselves.
“You are an amazing role model and your own achievements send a powerful message to the whole world that neurodivergent young people can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
Congratulating Kaydi on her award, Hannah Bardell, Kaydi’s local MP for Livingston, said:
“I am very happy to hear that Kaydi has been awarded a ‘Point of Light Award’. Her decision to use her own experiences of autism and ADHD to create opportunities for her peers is extremely commendable. She does great work for our neurodivergent community that deserves to be recognised. Well done Kaydi!”
Kaydi said:
“I am happy that what I have been doing with Diversified has been recognised by the Prime Minister. I have worked really hard to give autistic young people like me a voice, autistic led support and a place they can feel safe and understood.
“When I set up Diversified, I was only 14 and I just wanted things to be better for autistic young people, so they wouldn’t have to go through the negative experiences I had.
“I hope that my achievements inspire other neurodivergent young people to embrace who they are and believe that they can achieve anything they set their minds to!
“This recognition isn’t just for me, it’s for all the incredible autistic young people in our communities. You are seen, you are amazing and you are not alone. Be Au-thentically yourself because you are truly a gift to our world.”
Find out more about ‘Diversified’