The National Autistic Society Scotland’s Autistic Campaigner’s Group has written to the First Minister to highlight the need for the Learning Disabilities, Autism, and Neurodivergence Bill (LDAN Bill) to be included in this year’s Programme for Government. The Programme for Government is published annually in September and outlines the Scottish Government programme of work for the year ahead.

The Autistic Campaigner’s group was established in 2023 by the National Autistic Society Scotland, and aims to drive positive change by campaigning for greater acceptance and inclusion of autistic people in Scotland. The group is comprised of eleven autistic adults, who bring a broad range of experience both personal and professional.  

In the letter, the group have stressed that significant inequalities remain in many areas of life for autistic people in Scotland, and these could start to be addressed through the LDAN Bill. Additionally, the letter mentions some of the benefits that a Commissioner for autistic people would have if it were to be included in the Bill. For example, a Commissioner could introduce greater accountability by holding services and policy-makers to account for delivering better outcomes for autistic people.

Ailsa Lindsay, member of the Autistic Campaigner’s Group, said: 

"Autistic people in society are facing huge inequalities in education, work, social life and relationships. We sent this letter as its crucial the government actions the bill. Currently many autistic people are wrongly sectioned in psychiatric wards, and face physical restraint and wrongful medicating. It's imperative the whole system changes and treats autistic people with respect and upholds their human rights, which currently are being violated all over Scotland."