Mindroom Co-Founder Sophie Dow To Takes Centre Stage at Edinburgh International Conference Centre
To mark the 25th anniversary of pioneering neurodiversity charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre (Mindroom), co-founder, journalist, and author Sophie Dow will appear at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on Wednesday 2 December 2026 for a special evening of conversation, reflection, inspiration and celebration.
The event, ‘EICC Live: When Life Doesn't Follow the Script’, marks the UK launch of Dow’s acclaimed memoir, ‘When Life Doesn't Follow the Script: How one family's journey created change for all kinds of minds.’
Twenty-five years ago, following the birth of their daughter Annie, who was diagnosed with a rare chromosome deletion now informally known as ‘Annie's syndrome’, Sophie and her husband Robin set out to challenge a system fixated on what children could not do rather than what they could achieve. What began as one couple’s search for answers has evolved into one of the UK’s leading neurodiversity organisations, supporting thousands of neurodivergent children, young people, adults, employers and employees.
Guests at the EICC will hear Dow discuss the deeply personal story behind the charity’s founding, followed by a conversation hosted by BBC journalist Claire English, an audience Q&A, and a book signing reception.
The anniversary comes at a time of unprecedented demand. In 2025 alone, Mindroom supported 2,172 families, handled 1,801 new enquiries, and trained 3,546 delegates. Since 2020, requests for the charity’s services have surged by 309%.
Sophie Dow, co-founder of Mindroom and author, said: “When Annie was born, our lives changed completely. We suddenly found ourselves in a world where so much attention was focused on what she might not be able to do. But we could see her potential, her personality, and everything that made her uniquely Annie.
“Robin and I knew things needed to change, and that other families were feeling just as alone. Twenty-five years later, I feel enormous pride in what Mindroom has achieved, but there is still so much to do. Every child and adult has the right to know that their mind is valued. I hope the book inspires people to be part of what comes next.”
Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Mindroom, added: “Mindroom exists because one family believed that things could and should be different. Behind every statistic is a person or family who simply wants to be understood and supported.
“While we have made great progress and we are now also embarking on significant geographical expansion following funding from the Scottish Government, the families who come to us every day remind us that significant barriers remain. As awareness of neurodiversity grows, our challenge is turning understanding into meaningful action across schools, workplaces, and public services. This anniversary is a call to action to build on the progress we have already made.”
All proceeds from signed copies of the book (£14.99) sold at the event will go directly toward supporting Mindroom’s advocacy, family support, and research initiatives.
“When Life Doesn’t Follow The Script’ has been described as ‘an inspiring personal detective drama in which Sophie Dow - with humour, passion and unexpected support from an Oscar winning director as well as at least two Royal families - seeks the answer to the question: Why aren’t all minds valued equally?
To buy the book, please visit: ‘When Life Doesn’t Follow the Script’
To book your place at the event: EICC – When Life Doesn’t Follow the Script
To learn more about Mindroom: Official website