Our Response to the Ministerial Statement on the LDAN Bill

The Donaldson Trust shares the disappointment felt by neurodivergent people and their families following the decision not to progress the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill. For many, it represented an important opportunity to strengthen accountability, improve consistency and drive meaningful change. 

We do, however, welcome the Scottish Government’s renewed focus on delivering practical improvements now. They must now provide clarity on how this will translate into action, with clear priorities, measurable outcomes and accountability for progress. 

As an organisation working with neurodivergent children, young people, adults and families every day, we know that support cannot wait. However, lasting change will require more than short-term initiatives. It will depend on strong partnership across public services, communities and the third sector. 

Neurodivergent people should remain at the heart of this government’s priorities and we remain committed to working alongside partners across Scotland to build understanding of neurodivergent strengths and needs, create more inclusive environments, and help deliver lasting change for neurodivergent people and their families.