A Journey of Partnership: SCCG, Amity & Nanjing (2012–2025)

In 2012, I could not have imagined that a single invitation would lead to a 13-year journey of partnership, learning, and friendship across Scotland and China. That year, Reverend Patricia Johnston from the Scottish Churches China Group (SCCG) contacted me in my role as Principal of Scottish Autism’s New Struan School in Alloa. She was hoping to build meaningful connections between our community in Scotland and the Amity Children’s Development Centre in Nanjing and asked whether I would be willing to speak at an international symposium on autism.

I was immediately drawn to the opportunity — to share practice, and to learn. What was autism support like in China? What could we learn from one another? And what might an international partnership make possible?

Later that year, I travelled to Nanjing to present at the symposium, sharing our approach to personalised learning planning across day and residential provision. It was my first encounter with the depth of commitment, professionalism, and care shown by colleagues working with autistic children and young people in China. During that visit, I met Director Joyce and Deputy Director Ms Kong Chan Ning, toured the Children’s Development Centre, spent time with staff and young people, and engaged in thoughtful dialogue with the wider team. From the outset, the exchange felt grounded in curiosity and mutual respect rather than expertise flowing in one direction. In 2014, we welcomed Ms Kong Chan Ning and Ms Wang Waxin to Scotland for a reciprocal visit. They observed our work with children, young people, and families across school and community contexts and travelled north to see our education base at Elgin Academy, where inclusive support was embedded within a mainstream secondary school.

Despite the political, cultural, and systemic differences between our countries, we quickly recognised shared challenges — and shared hopes — for autistic learners and their families.

The partnership continued through regular dialogue, coaching, and further visits, including a return to China in 2018. During this period, I supported teams across several services — the Children’s Centre, the Home of Blessings, and Care of the Elderly — to engage in self-evaluation and longer-term strategic thinking.

Together, we explored questions such as:

• What do we hope our services will look like in five or ten years?

• What really matters to our communities?

• How can reflective practice support sustainable development?

What consistently stood out was the insight, aspiration, and openness of the teams. Reflection was central to their professional identity.

In November 2021, I contributed a pre-recorded presentation to the 11th Symposium on Autism in Nanjing. More than 13,000 people attended online — an extraordinary moment of global connection during an incredibly challenging time. Professionals from Scotland, England, and China shared insights into inclusive education, diagnostic practice, and therapeutic support. My contribution focused on inclusive education in Scotland and early reflections from the beginning of my PhD at the University of Stirling. I was later told that 11,908 people viewed the presentation. At the same time, Scotland was concluding its national 10-year Autism Strategy (2011–2021), aimed at improving health, independence, choice, and active citizenship for autistic people — a reminder of how policy, practice, and lived experience continually intersect.

Innovation and Courage: Integrated Education in Nanjing

In 2023, I became involved in an exciting new initiative led by Ma Xiaobo at the Amity Children’s Development Centre, focused on integrated education. This pioneering model brings autistic and non-autistic children together in shared learning spaces, emphasising belonging, equity, and support. Her work is both innovative and courageous — translating inclusive values into everyday classroom practice. Alongside this, Ma Xiaobo was completing her Master’s degree in inclusive education through the University of Edinburgh, further strengthening the bridge between research, practice, and international learning.

In April 2025, I returned to Nanjing to deliver a keynote speech and workshop at the 12th Amity Foundation International Symposium on Autism. This visit marked more than a decade of shared work — and many enduring friendships. During this visit, I also spent time at the Nanjing Normal University of Special Education, exploring potential future partnerships to support teaching and learning around neurodiversity.

Reflections on Thirteen Years of Partnership

What began as a single conference invitation has grown into a 13-year journey of reciprocity, shared learning, and deep commitment to improving the lives of neurodivergent children, young people, and their families.

Working alongside SCCG and the Amity Foundation has shaped my leadership, my coaching practice, and my research. It has reinforced my belief that inclusive education grows strongest through relationships — through dialogue, trust, and mutual respect across cultures.

I am deeply grateful for this partnership and look forward to continuing the journey together in the years ahead.