MSPs call for ‘fundamental change’ to better support neurodivergence

Issues faced by neurodivergent people must be improved, a Holyrood committee has concluded after hearing “devastating” testimony.

The Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee heard that in some cases, delays to diagnosis had led to people taking their own lives – a situation the MSPs branded “completely unacceptable”.

The committee launched an inquiry after the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill was delayed.

In their report, the MSPs said challenges faced by people with neurodivergence should be addressed “without delay”.

Throughout the inquiry, the committee heard about difficulties in getting a diagnosis of a neurodivergent condition and how important such a diagnosis can be.

Dr Jim Crabb, from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, told the committee: “Diagnosis can be incredibly powerful and validating; for some people, it can be life-saving.”

The committee has called on the Scottish Government to ensure there is a long-term strategy and funding to have the workforce needed to be able to respond to the demand for diagnoses.

Kabie Brook, from autism campaign group ARGH Scotland, told MSPs that prior to diagnosis: “I simply thought that I was a broken human, that I was no good at being human, and that I did not really deserve to be here because what use was I anyway.”

Convener of the committee, SNP MSP Karen Adam, said: “Some of the testimony that we heard during this inquiry was devastating and, as we say in our report, as a country we cannot carry on like this.

“Our inquiry has found that we must fundamentally change as a society. The Scottish Government must act urgently so that our public services understand distress, communication and difference properly, so that we can intervene early, reduce harm, and support better outcomes across education, health, employment and justice.

“I am also grateful to all those we heard from during our inquiry. We repeatedly heard about the barriers, stigma and discrimination faced by neurodivergent people, but having their views on the record shone a light on the scale of the problem.”

Tom Arthur, mental wellbeing minister, said: “I am determined to use every lever at my disposal to drive real, meaningful improvements. Demand for neurodevelopmental diagnosis and support has increased significantly in recent years. While a diagnosis can be important, it should never be a barrier to receiving support.

“A diagnosis is just one part of someone’s experience. What matters most is that people get the right support at the right time. That is why I have made a further £3.4 million available for a range of projects aimed at improving access to neurodevelopmental supports and services, taking our total additional investment in 2025/26 to £3.9 million.

“This Government remains committed to developing a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill and on 18 March, published papers setting out current thinking on proposals for potential Bill provisions, including draft provisions. It will be for a future government to decide whether to introduce an LDAN Bill.”