Oliver’s story

Oliver is six years old and attends The Yard Glasgow, where he explores the world through movement and sensory play.

Meet Oliver

Oliver is six years old and attends The Yard Glasgow. For him, the world can sometimes feel loud, overwhelming and full of sensations he can’t yet describe with words. But at The Yard, something different happens. He arrives, someone comes out to welcome him, and he beams. His mum says, “That’s how he knows he’s a prince.”

Oliver experiences The Yard through movement, sensation and joy. The wind across his face, the creak of the blue swing, the splash of water on his arms, these are moments that help him connect with the world in ways that feel safe and exciting.

Finding freedom through play

At The Yard, Oliver has the space to explore at his own pace. He runs with his arms out like an aeroplane, giggles as the grass tickles his toes, and shouts “Hiiii!” to the birds overhead.

He loves the water tray, watching sunlight dance on the surface as he lets the water fall through his fingers. In the sensory room, he presses and taps different textures, creating rhythms that staff often copy, much to his delight.
These experiences help him regulate his emotions, build confidence and express himself in ways that feel natural to him. It’s not just play, it’s his language.

A place where Oliver is truly understood

For Oliver, communication doesn’t happen through words. But at The Yard, staff understand his cues, his sensory needs, and the things that bring him comfort or spark imagination.

His mum says,

“Despite not yet being able to use his voice, others can see, hear and understand him.”

This understanding is at the heart of what makes The Yard feel like home.

What The Yard means for Oliver’s family

For his mum, Amy, The Yard is one of the few places where she can relax and simply enjoy being with her son. She shares: “It’s where I see him happiest and most relaxed. There’s no judgement here. We’re welcomed, accepted and supported. It’s become our extended family.”

Having both indoor and outdoor space means Oliver can choose how he wants to play, while Amy can follow his lead without fear that he’ll come to harm. She can sit back, breathe, and celebrate his discoveries.

Christmas at The Yard

This Christmas, Amy is looking forward to seeing children like Oliver enjoy festive sensory experiences in their own way; those small but precious moments matter most to families who attend our centres.

Oliver has a simple wish for the season, more singing, more music, more fun… and his own walkie-talkie!

At The Yard, those small wishes and everyday discoveries become the moments where children like Oliver truly belong.