Thursday 2 April 2026 marks the start of World Autism Acceptance Month (WAAM). Every year, we come together to raise awareness of autism and this year will be no different.

During April, hundreds of autistic people and families across Scotland will be walking 5k to celebrate WAAM, raise awareness and show solidarity with one another.

This year is especially important because it coincides with National Autistic Society Scotland’s Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign, which calls for urgent change ahead of the Holyrood election.

So far, almost 3,500 letters have been sent by autistic people and families calling on all party leaders to Act Now for Autistic Rights by committing to introduce the long overdue Learning Disability Autism and Neurodivergence Bill.

It is clear that in education, diagnosis, healthcare and employment, autistic people are being denied rights and opportunities which should be available to them:

• There has been a 768% increase in the number of pupils recorded as receiving Additional Support for Learning since 2004.¹
• Over 42,000 children were waiting for neurodevelopmental assessment, a figure which has increased by over 500% in some areas since 2020.²
• Autistic people have an estimated employment rate of 29%, compared with Scotland's national employment rate of 82.5% for non-disabled people and 50.7% for disabled people.³
• In a survey of 624 autistic people, 51% of respondents found it hard to get a referral and 62% did not feel well informed about the assessment process once referred.⁴

The Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill can make a genuine difference. Mandatory training in public services can ensure autistic people's needs are identified and met at the earliest opportunity, rather than only getting support once a crisis point is reached. Legally binding national and local strategies can also bring about the planning and resources needed to tackle the backlog for assessment and diagnosis, as well as making sure services are properly signposted in our communities.

WAAM leading into the upcoming election is a vital opportunity to ensure parties don't just talk about the importance of improving outcomes and opportunities for autistic people this election, but that they also Act Now to affect real and meaningful change.

Rob Holland, Director of National Autistic Society Scotland, said: "World Autism Acceptance Month is a time for everyone to get involved, raise awareness and celebrate autism acceptance, and so it couldn't come at a better time to join the calls for change as part of our Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign this election in May."

"Now is the time to get involved by urging party leaders to Act Now for Autistic Rights and introduce the LDAN Bill, and to spread the word to your friends and families too. This is our chance to ensure the next Scottish Parliament takes overdue action to ensure autistic people's rights are understood and respected. We cannot miss this opportunity."

Becca, A NAS Scotland Campaigner, said: "I’ve spent my life feeling unsupported, invalidated and left out on account of my autism and I’ve known many who’ve felt the same. This has to change. The LDAN bill is urgent and will make a vital positive difference to many people, allowing us to lead fulfilling, purposeful and meaningful lives. It must come into effect as soon as possible."

How to get involved in World Autism Acceptance Month and the Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign

• Register for our WAAM 5k walk
• Learn more about how we are marking World Autism Acceptance Month 2026
• Visit our Act Now for Autistic Rights webpage to access our campaign resources.
• Join our call to action in calling on party leaders to introduce the LDAN Bill as soon as possible this election.

References

¹ Audit Scotland, Additional Support for Learning Briefing
² SPICe Briefing, Neurodevelopmental Pathways and Waiting Times in Scotland
³ Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, Neurodivergence in Scotland inquiry report
⁴ Experiences of Autism Assessment and Diagnosis in Scotland Survey Report