In winter 2023-24, we held a series of lived experience conversations for Scottish Government called Democracy Matters, specifically tailored for neurodivergent communities. We provided an accessible platform for meaningful dialogue and input, where neurodivergent people could contribute through various mediums, including online conversations and written responses.  With a focus on exploring the potential for neurodivergent individuals and communities to have greater control over decision-making processes, our conversations engaged diverse perspectives to envision a more inclusive and responsive democratic future.

The lived experience conversations were used to co-produce a collective response to the “Democracy Matters” consultation. By fostering discussions on topics ranging from what is preventing neurodivergent people to engage in these decision-making processes to how we can support and accommodate neurodivergent people to enable them to engage through inclusive lived experience-led facilitation, we empowered neurodivergent individuals to actively participate in shaping the governance of their communities.

“I thought the online meeting was hosted and facilitated in exemplary fashion. Maddi listened to everyone with patience and sensitivity, giving those who wanted to speak a chance and not pressuring anyone who only wanted to listen. The information received before and after the meeting was/is excellent… I felt my input and opinions were heard and respected.”

Carola Huttman

Participant • Personal website • Twitter

“Sumar and Maddi conducted some highly informative engagement for us with the neurodivergent community. The data they gathered has helped us better understand neurodivergent people’s lived experience of influencing and participating in local decision making which will be critical in the next steps of the Democracy Matters programme.”

Local governance review team