Championing Neurodivergent Rights at Holyrood

At this critical juncture for neurodivergent rights, taking the perspectives and experiences of neurodivergent people and families to parliamentarians is absolutely vital. The change we all want to see rests, in part, on ensuring our decision-makers are mindful of the needs of our communities.

And collaboration is at the heart of our work, which is why our Policy Lead, Stephen Caulfield, and CEO, Lynn Wassell, have been spending time at Holyrood in recent weeks engaging in what has been a series of constructive discussions with MSPs. We have been encouraged by the cross-party consensus on the need for systemic change, and their willingness to stand up and drive positive change.

Over the course of these visits, conversations touched on several crucial issues, including: vital next steps for the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill; improvements to neuro-developmental assessment and support pathways; Additional Support for Learning (ASL); and ensuring neurodivergent voices are heard amid wider public service reform.

We have taken the opportunity to share more information on the evolution of our own service offer, highlighting how person-centred support empowers neurodivergent children, young people and adults to thrive.

We’d like to thank the MSPs who have taken the time to meet with us over recent weeks to listen, engage and plan future collaboration.