The Scottish Government has published proposals for the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill. This is hugely welcome and makes a number of welcome proposals we have been calling for as part of our Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign.

We fully support mandatory training in the public sector and therefore welcome the proposal that this be introduced as a legal duty, co-designed by people with lived experience, for employees in the health, social care and justice services. We will continue to advocate for this to include those within education so autistic pupil get the support they need.

We also welcome the proposed legal duty to produce and comply with national and local strategies to address the systemic injustices that autistic people face and to provide consistent pathways in each area, and bring to an end the ‘crisis threshold’ of service provision.

Enhanced accountability has been a priority from the outset in campaigning for an LDAN Bill and so we welcome the Scottish Government’s intention to continue to explore potential options for achieving this to ensure positive outcomes from the Bill will be delivered.

Rob Holland, Director of the National Autistic Society Scotland, said:

“Many autistic people and their families have shared difficult and often traumatising experiences in helping to develop the LDAN Bill. They will be hoping this publication represents a tangible step towards this Bill becoming a reality.”

“We are calling on all political parties to Act Now for Autistic Rights by committing to introduce the LDAN Biil as soon as possible after the Holyrood election. Legally binding strategies, mandatory training and greater accountability will make a genuine impact in improving the lives of autistic people. LDAN represents our best opportunity to help create a Scotland that works for autistic people. We cannot miss this opportunity”.

There are lots of ways for you to Act Now for Autistic Rights and join the call for change this election: 

• Read our manifesto,
• Take part in our e-action calling on party leaders to introduce the LDAN Bill as soon as possible,
• Visit our campaign webpage, which has access to resources such as a campaign calendar, social media toolkit, and ideas for campaign activity.