NAS calls for learning disabilities and autism bill to be introduced in Scotland

The National Autistic Society Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill ahead of the Scottish Parliament election in May.

The Bill is a proposed Scottish law intended to support people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Following extensive consultation, it aims to ensure progressive and positive change and to better protect people’s human and civic rights.

It also aims to ensure accountability where examples of discrimination and bias exist, and that people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people in Scotland can lead active and fulfilling lives free from marginalisation, stigmatisation, exclusion or disadvantage.

Despite many good laws and strategies in Scotland, the NAS Scotland says that there remains a gap between the support people should receive and what they actually receive, whether in school, social care, healthcare or employment.

Champion the rights of autistic people and people with learning disabilities

It adds that from the outset, the primary objective of the Scottish Government has been to create something that can better respect, protect and champion the rights of autistic people, people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people and to deliver a fairer Scotland for everyone.

But autistic people are still waiting for these changes to be made, and they shouldn’t have to wait any longer.

Rob Holland, Director of the National Autistic Society Scotland, added: ‘Too often we hear from autistic people and families that do not have the support they need to live fulfilled lives on their terms, and who are continually being driven into crisis.

“The importance of the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill in tackling the inequalities faced by autistic people and their families cannot be underestimated. It is a vital opportunity to address systematic injustices and to improve outcomes for autistic people of all ages, and that is why we are calling on all political parties to commit to introducing the Bill in Government.”

Autism Bill aims for equal access and opportunity

It comes as NAS Scotland launches a new campaign called ‘Act Now’. This is split into four key areas: diagnosis and support; accessible healthcare; support in schools; and inclusive communities.

Currently, autistic people in Scotland wait months, if not years, for an assessment and experience poorer health outcomes than the general population. At school, autistic pupils face exclusion and isolation due to a lack of support, and in community settings, autistic people face discrimination stemming from a lack of understanding and limited access to services.

The charity says that the LDAN Bill can play a transformative role in each of these areas by introducing national and local plans to tackle waiting lists, mandating training in healthcare and education, and addressing a glaring lack of accountability in the public services and systems that support autistic people in Scotland.

Becca, NAS Campaigner, said: “‘We must be allowed to have equal access and opportunity. We are not a burden on society. We are useful, we are intelligent, we are creative. We are inspiring. We are contributors. We must be allowed the chance to belong, the chance to make a difference, to be educated and be educators, to be validated, taken seriously. We must be allowed to live in a fair and just society where we are not discriminated against and where we have the chance to live our lives fully and freely.

“The LDAN bill will give autistic and neurodivergent people a chance to be involved in a fairer society. It will decrease the amount of discrimination and invalidation by making people aware, trained and knowledgeable. It will increase independence and choice, helping people to feel they are active in the decisions that affect their own lives whilst also receiving valuable support.”

Alison Bloomer

Alison Bloomer is Editor of Learning Disability Today.

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