Kaydi is the CEO of the charity Diversified. She created the charity at age 15 to support young autistic and neurodivergent people in Scotland who have been let down by the education system.  

After facing challenges in the school system as an undiagnosed autistic teenager without access to adequate support, Kaydi realised she wasn’t alone. Many other autistic and neurodivergent young people were experiencing the same difficulties. Struggling with their mental health, losing friendships as peers continued in mainstream education, and feeling isolated. 

At just 13 years old, Kaydi launched a website Diversified selling fidget toys with the goal of funding social groups for autistic and neurodivergent teens who, like her, found school environments overwhelming or inaccessible. This initiative led to the creation of The Together Project, a safe, inclusive space where young people could socialise, try new activities, and form friendships.  

By the time Kaydi was 15, the project had grown significantly, achieved charitable status and opened dedicated facilities based just outside of Edinburgh. As the charity expanded, so did its range of services, including social groups, tutoring, home education groups, and Aspire, a dedicated service supporting autistic young people who are unable to attend school, helping them manage their mental health and wellbeing. 

Today, Diversified is proud to be Scotland’s first autistic youth-led charity supporting autistic young people. All staff and volunteers are autistic, with every team member aged 25 or under, ensuring the charity remains youth-focused and peer-led.