Caitlyn McDonald
Nominee Profile
Location: North Ayrshire
I am an autistic advocate and photographer from North Ayrshire who is passionate about challenging stereotypes surrounding autism and disability. Through my photography, social media presence and advocacy work, I aim to promote greater understanding, acceptance and inclusion for neurodivergent individuals while showing that autism should never define a person’s potential.
Growing up, I often felt misunderstood within education due to sensory challenges and environments that were not supportive of autistic individuals. I struggled with sensory overload, noise levels and the pressure of trying to fit into situations that felt overwhelming. There were times where I was made to feel I would never achieve much because of the difficulties I faced. Instead of allowing those experiences to define me negatively, I used them as motivation to prove that autistic people are capable of succeeding when they are understood and supported.
I openly share my experiences of living with autism to help break down misconceptions and encourage more positive conversations around neurodiversity. By speaking honestly about sensory challenges, communication differences and the importance of things such as headphones and ear defenders, I hope to help others better understand the realities of autism.
Photography has played a huge role in building my confidence and identity. I was proud to be runner-up in the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2024 and a finalist in the North Ayrshire Community Champion Awards 2026. My work and story have been featured by the BBC and published in the Daily Record, while my football photography regularly appears in local newspapers. Through opportunities working at major events and alongside celebrities, I continue to show that autistic individuals can thrive in creative and professional environments.
My goal is to continue raising awareness, promoting acceptance and inspiring young people to believe that being different is something to celebrate, not hide.
Growing up, I often felt misunderstood within education due to sensory challenges and environments that were not supportive of autistic individuals. I struggled with sensory overload, noise levels and the pressure of trying to fit into situations that felt overwhelming. There were times where I was made to feel I would never achieve much because of the difficulties I faced. Instead of allowing those experiences to define me negatively, I used them as motivation to prove that autistic people are capable of succeeding when they are understood and supported.
I openly share my experiences of living with autism to help break down misconceptions and encourage more positive conversations around neurodiversity. By speaking honestly about sensory challenges, communication differences and the importance of things such as headphones and ear defenders, I hope to help others better understand the realities of autism.
Photography has played a huge role in building my confidence and identity. I was proud to be runner-up in the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2024 and a finalist in the North Ayrshire Community Champion Awards 2026. My work and story have been featured by the BBC and published in the Daily Record, while my football photography regularly appears in local newspapers. Through opportunities working at major events and alongside celebrities, I continue to show that autistic individuals can thrive in creative and professional environments.
My goal is to continue raising awareness, promoting acceptance and inspiring young people to believe that being different is something to celebrate, not hide.