AJ's story

Meet AJ

AJ is three years old and attends The Yard Glasgow. He loves playing with dinosaurs and cars, and he’s happiest when he has space to explore and meet new friends. His mum, Jemma, shared that arriving at The Yard always feels special to him.

A place where AJ feels accepted

For Jemma, one of the most meaningful things about The Yard is the sense of welcome. She describes it as a place with no judgement and lots of support, where AJ can play in the way that works best for him and feel accepted and validated. The Yard team and volunteers make a big difference, too. Jemma calls them “amazing” for the way they support families and create a warm, understanding atmosphere.

Why The Yard matters to AJ’s family

For Jemma, The Yard has been a lifeline. She shared that, as AJ is currently undiagnosed, their family has sometimes felt dismissed or misunderstood elsewhere.
At The Yard, that changes. Here, she can talk with other families who understand and feel part of a community rather than on the outside of one. AJ looks forward to coming every week; he enjoys it so much that he even tells his parents how to get there.