Issues faced by neurodivergent people must be urgently addressed, says Holyrood committee
Challenges faced by people with neurodivergence should be addressed “without delay” according to MSPs on Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.
The Committee launched the inquiry after the delay to the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill. Having held formal and informal sessions in light of this delay, the Committee agreed to focus on the challenges facing neurodivergent people in education, work and the criminal justice system
Throughout the inquiry the Committee heard about the importance of, and difficulty of getting, a diagnosis of a neurodivergent condition.
Dr Jim Crabb from the Royal College of Psychiatrists told the Committee that “[A] diagnosis can be incredibly powerful and validating; for some people, it can be life saving”, while Karbie Brook, from 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.”
The Committee also heard that, in some situations, delays to diagnosis had led to people taking their own lives and concludes that this situation is “completely unacceptable”.
In its report, the Committee warns that, with 43 percent of children in Scottish schools having an additional support need, action must be taken so that neurodivergence is not seen as a deficit.
The Committee says that it is essential for young people to receive a diagnosis early in life and calls for the Government to ensure that there is a long-term strategy and funding to ensure that Scotland has the workforce needed to be able to respond to the demand for diagnoses.
The report also explores the implementation gap between Scottish Government policies and the lived experience of witnesses. The Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing told the Committee that the Government was now recalibrating systems due to an unforeseen increase in demand.
While the Committee welcomes this, it urges the Government to speak to people with lived experience to ensure services meet the needs of neurodivergent people.
"For neurodivergent people, we want Scotland to be a welcoming place, but also a place that uplifts, that supports and ensures that they can thrive in whatever they want to do…"
— Equalities, Human Rights & Civil Justice Committee (@SP_EHRCJ) March 20, 2026
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee 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.”
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee published its report today into Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism pathways and support.
The Committee calls for urgent action to deliver a national plan that ensures autistic people and people with ADHD can access clear, consistent pathways to support across every health board in Scotland.
The Committee welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to accept the recommendations in the National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT) Adult Neurodevelopmental Pathways report.
It also notes the Scottish Government’s intention to review implementation of the National Neurodevelopmental Specification for Children and Young People through its new task force.
The Committee expresses concern that many people wait years for neurodevelopmental assessments and that some health board areas have closed waiting lists. It emphasises that long waits harm individuals and may prevent people from making a full contribution to society.
The unprecedented demand for neurodevelopmental assessment is recognised by the Committee and the need to put certain thresholds in place before a referral is made. But the Committee warns that this approach can be seen as gatekeeping and can cause delays to accessing assessments and support.
The report further highlights evidence that long waiting times can push people into crisis, which can increase complexity of the support needed and put additional pressure on services. It calls on the Scottish Government to work with health boards to deliver a shift towards early, progressive support, in line with the principles of the Population Health Framework.
The Committee also heard evidence that long NHS waiting times can push people towards private diagnosis at significant cost, risking a two-tier system.
The Committee calls for a comprehensive review of assessment processes across all areas, leading to a National Standard that guarantees consistency, responsiveness and support across Scotland.
Given current waiting times, the Committee calls for consistent high-quality communication with people on waiting lists, including accurate, supportive, up-to-date and neuro-affirming information that meets the needs of each individual.
Countering claims that neurodevelopmental conditions are subject to over-diagnosis, the report instead notes evidence that rising demand for assessments reflects historic under-diagnosis and improved understanding of these conditions. The report recognises that diagnosis can validate lived experience and help people access adjustments, support and medication if needed.
While the Committee welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment that diagnosis should not be a prerequisite for support, it remains concerned that, for many individuals, the lack of a formal diagnosis can create a barrier to accessing support. The Committee calls on the Scottish Government to set out actions to prevent diagnosis status becoming an artificial barrier to receiving support.
To improve fairness and consistency, the Committee calls for a plan to deliver mandatory training for everyone involved in making referrals to neurodevelopmental pathways and all health and social care staff in patient-facing roles.
The Committee supports a whole systems approach across health, social care, education and other sectors to improve awareness, reduce stigma and strengthen support for those with neurodevelopmental conditions.
It calls on the Scottish Government to set out what it is doing to advance whole society action, including workforce planning, funding distribution that supports integration, inclusive education, support for families with multiple neurodivergent members, and stronger collaboration across public services.
On publication of the report, Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee said:“Our inquiry has shone a light on the myriad issues those with neurodevelopmental conditions face in accessing and receiving support from Scotland’s NHS.
“We acknowledge the huge rise in demand for assessment and diagnosis and the huge pressure this places on services. But we are concerned that inconsistent care pathways and a lack of support can leave some feeling isolated and unable to access the support they need.
“We are concerned to have heard evidence of long waits for assessments or closed waiting lists, meaning some individuals are unable to access support due to where they live or because they haven’t been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental condition. It’s clear things need to improve.
“We’re calling for urgent delivery of a national plan so that autistic people and/or people with ADHD are able to access clear, consistent pathways to support regardless of where they live in Scotland.
“We’re also calling on the Scottish Government and health boards to work together to undertake a comprehensive review of the assessment process in order to introduce a National Standard for assessments that guarantees consistency and quality of access throughout Scotland.
“Our Committee wants to see a whole systems and whole society approach to ensure autistic people and/or people with ADHD can access equitable and timely pathways to assessment, treatment and support across Scotland.
“Thank you to all of the individuals who shared their personal experiences of ADHD and autism with us and helped inform our inquiry.”
Other findings in the report:
The report also stresses the need for consistent national data on referrals and waiting times. The Committee calls for steps to enable routine quarterly reporting of data on referrals and waiting times for autism and ADHD, underpinned by national guidance, and for longer-term work to culminate in a comprehensive dashboard.
The Committee pays tribute to third sector organisations that support people who have not received, or are waiting for, diagnosis. It welcomes ongoing commitments such as the Autistic Adult Support Fund and calls for clearer plans to place third sector funding on a sustainable long-term footing.
Both ADHD and autism are neurodevelopmental conditions.
ADHD is characterised by a group of symptoms that includes difficulty in concentrating, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. It affects around 5% of school-aged children, and between 2.5% and 4% of adults.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition that affects the way a person communicates, interacts and processes information.
It is often characterised by social and communication difficulties and by repetitive behaviours. Current estimates indicate about 1 in 34 people are autistic, just under 3% of the population.
Scottish Ministers should set defined timescales and fixed budgets for public inquiries, says a new parliamentary report.
The recommendation is one of a raft of measures from Holyrood’s Finance and Public Administration Committee to improve the cost-effectiveness of public inquiries.
The committee’s report says inquiries are “over-stretched and poorly defined” and subject to limited financial control.
It also says there is a “lack of clarity and openness” on the decision-making process leading up to inquiries being established.
The report follows an eight-month investigation into the cost-effectiveness of public inquiries – the first time a Holyrood committee has examined the subject.
The cost of inquiries in Scotland alone has risen by £30 million this year to £258 million since 2007.
Impact on frontline services
The committee also highlights the impact on frontline services when staff and resources are redirected to an inquiry.
For example, a trial judge presides over 34 trials a year on average. If a judge is involved in an inquiry lasting years, it has an impact on the justice system.
The committee says its recommendations are practical and can be implemented quickly.
Finance and Public Administration Committee convener Kenneth Gibson said:“Our investigation was prompted by increasing concern over the escalating cost of public inquiries.
“In practice, there is currently limited ability for Ministers to control expenditure and stop costs spiralling – or to stop an inquiry dragging on for years once it’s up and running.
“Our study of international models shows there are better alternatives for cost effectiveness and effective delivery. For example, Sweden normally requires its public inquiries to conclude within two years and within a set budget.
“We are also concerned at the impact on existing services if resources are redirected to inquiries that may last for years.
“We therefore recommend the Scottish Government amends its devolved Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007, to require a defined timescale and fixed budget at the start of every inquiry. Any subsequent justification for an extension should be brought before Parliament.
“In the longer term, the Scottish Government should work with the UK Government to update the Inquiries Act 2005 – which is reserved – to make this a primary legislation requirement.”
Practical actions, quickly
Mr Gibson added:“Our recommended package of measures is designed to strike the right balance. Retaining flexibility to meet the unique circumstances of individual inquiries, while strengthening financial controls and promoting fiscal sustainability.
“Our focus is on practical actions that can be implemented quickly within Scotland. It will benefit everyone – not only people seeking answers and justice, but taxpayers and everyone who uses public services.
“The Finance Committee urges the Scottish Government to act decisively on these recommendations to ensure Scotland’s public inquiry system is cost-effective, transparent and accountable.”
A summary of the committee’s recommendations is set out in Annexe B of the committee’s report.
The committee’s report covers themes including:
Limited transparency of government decision-making prior to inquiries being established
A lack of sufficient financial control of inquiries and the timeline for delivery
The rising cost and frequency of public inquiries in Scotland
The opportunity cost of public inquiries and the impact on frontline public services
The need for financial transparency and regular, consistent publication of costs – both cumulative and disaggregated
The need for clarity on the core purpose of an inquiry and its terms of reference
Views from relatives and families with experience of public inquiries
Judge-led inquiries – its impact on the courts and effective alternative models
International comparisons from Sweden, New Zealand and Australia
Implementing report findings – the lack of tracking and evaluation of the implementation of findings following an inquiry.
The committee’s report says its package of measures aim to:
increase transparency within the public inquiry system
promote consistency and openness in Scottish Government decision-making
provide greater support for inquiry teams
strengthen oversight and scrutiny, and importantly
improve cost-effectiveness and fiscal sustainability of the system.
The Scottish Parliament’s Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee has welcomed the proposals in the Judicial Factors (Scotland) Bill, which aims to consolidate and update laws related to judicial factors.
However, the opportunity for the Bill to clarify how judicial factors can work with the families of missing people cannot be missed, according to the Committee’s report.
A judicial factor is a person appointed by the court to gather in, hold, safeguard, and administer property, which is not being, or would not otherwise be, properly managed. At present, most judicial factors are solicitors or accountants.
The position has existed for hundreds of years, with the substantive law in the area currently dating back to 1849 and 1889. The Bill also repeals even older court rules, including an Act of Sederunt from 1690.
Through its consideration of the Bill, the Committee has come to appreciate the vital role that judicial factors are able to play in many circumstances including working with solicitors’ firms in certain circumstances, businesses, when partnerships which break down and the estates of deceased people, when needed.
In particular, the Committee has made recommendations which it believes would clarify how a judicial factor can help in cases of missing people. The ability of a judicial factor to step in and manage the affairs of a loved one is a key point raised in the Committee’s report.
To make it clear that judicial factors can be appointed in such cases, the Committee has recommended the inclusion of an explicit statement in the Bill that it is competent to appoint a judicial factor to the estate of a missing person.
The Committee’s report also supports work to improve advertising, guidance and advice to make the Bill more accessible for families and legal professionals who are looking after the estates of missing people.
Stuart McMillan MSP, Convener of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee said:“Most people in Scotland may not be familiar with judicial factors or their work, but during our evidence sessions we were able to learn more about their vital role.
“We are broadly content with the proposals in the Bill, which will update the laws around judicial factors that date back hundreds of years and bring welcome clarity.
“However, we do believe that these updates present the Parliament with an opportunity to go further to really ensure that judicial factors work for the loved ones of people who go missing.”
The Judicial Factors (Scotland) Bill was introduced in response to recommendations made by the Scottish Law Commission.
It is anticipated that the Parliament will consider the Bill in a Stage 1 debate this autumn.
Statutory sick pay (SSP) is failing to provide enough support for those who most need financial help when ill and should be increased and made more widely available, MPs say today.
The report from the Work and Pensions Committee says that a modest increase to SSP in line with Statutory Maternity Pay would strike a reasonable balance between providing extra financial support and not placing excessive extra costs on businesses.It also says that all employees should be eligible for SSP, not just those earning above the lower earnings limit.
Rates of sickness absence and ill health have increased in recent years, with a record 185.6 million working days lost to sickness or injury in 2022. During its inquiry, the Committee heard the current system of SSP was an insufficient safety net for those who relied on it, and no use at all to those who were not eligible.
Despite consultations by previous governments, no permanent changes have been forthcoming. While the Committee understands why the Government decided that the Covid-19 pandemic was the wrong time to introduce changes, due to the immediate additional costs on employers, it finds that this argument is now less valid.
In addition to recommending changes to the SSP rate and eligibility, the report calls on the Government to amend legislation to enable SSP to be paid in combination with usual wages in order to encourage phased returns to work.
On the cost to businesses, the report concludes that the overall impact of SSP reform is difficult to predict, but even if they did not result in lower levels of sickness absence, larger firms would be able to absorb the costs. It says this would not be true of smaller businesses, however, and calls on the Government to consult with small and medium-sized businesses on the design of a small business rebate for SSP.
Finally, the report says that the Government should establish a contributory sick pay scheme for the self-employed to increase support during periods of illness.
Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: “Statutory sick pay is failing in its primary purpose to act as a safety net for workers who most need financial help during illness.
“With the country continuing to face high rates of sickness absence, the Government can no longer afford to keep kicking the can down the road on reform. The Committee’s proposals strike the right balance between widening and strengthening support and not placing excessive burdens on business.
“A growing number of workers are now classified as self-employed and a new contributory sick pay scheme for self-employed people would be a welcome step towards ensuring they are they are no worse off financially during periods of sickness than employees on SSP.”
A full list of the Committee’s conclusions and recommendations is available on Pages 34–36 of the report.
Commenting on the publication of a Work and Pensions Committee report on whether the government should reform statutory sick pay to provide more financial support to low-paid employees, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “The Covid-19 pandemic showed that our sick pay system is in desperate need of reform.
“It beggars belief that ministers have done nothing to fix sick pay since.
“It’s a disgrace that so many low-paid and insecure workers up and down the country – most of them women – have to go without financial support when sick.
“The committee is right that ministers urgently need to remove the lower earnings limit and raise the rate of sick pay.
“Wider reform is also needed to remove the three days people must wait before they get any sick pay at all.
“Working people deserve better.
“It’s time for a new deal for workers, like Labour is proposing – which includes stronger sick pay and a ban on zero hours contracts.”
Analysis published by the TUC in January revealed that 1.3 million people do not earn enough to qualify for statutory sick pay – and 70% are women.
And zero-hours contract workers are eight times more likely than those on secure contracts (30.3% compared to 3.6%) to miss out on statutory sick pay because they don’t earn enough to qualify.
HOLYROOD’s COVID-19 Recovery Committee has published its report on Long COVID and post-COVID syndrome, urging the Scottish Government to take action to address the stigma surrounding the condition and improve awareness among the public and healthcare professionals.
The inquiry focussed on the awareness and recognition, therapy and rehabilitation, and study and research linked to Long COVID, with the Committee noting “concern” in their findings over reports of patients being unable to get the correct diagnosis and the lack of treatment for common conditions associated with the condition.
The Committee said it was “deeply saddened” to learn about the stigma faced by those with lived and living experience of Long COVID, and the report highlights the impact that the lack of awareness and recognition of Long COVID can have on those with the condition.
The Committee also recommended the Scottish Government:
Works with the National Strategic Network and health boards to establish a single point of contact for Long COVID patients in every health board and develops standardised guidance.
In partnership with the National Strategic Network, provide a leadership role in reviewing the best practice of Long COVID clinics and evaluate whether they may be an appropriate development in Scotland.
Implement a public health campaign to raise awareness of long COVID and the impact it can have on individuals’ health and wellbeing.
Reviews the current booster vaccination publicity strategy to reduce apathy and encourage uptake.
Supports improving the integration of health boards and the third sector to provide self-management services for Long COVID.
Throughout the four-month inquiry, the Committee took evidence from a broad range of academics, clinicians and those living with Long COVID about the complex nature of the symptoms and the apparent lack of any lessons being learned from other chronic illnesses such as ME/CFS.
The Committee also made calls for more data on the prevalence of Long COVID to be gathered and noted the impact that incorrect coding of the condition can have on the accuracy of data, alongside encouraging improved use of data deployment into clinical practice.
Commenting, Committee Convener, Jim Fairlie MSP said:“The report sets out the urgent need for the Scottish Government to take action to address the stigma and lack of awareness surrounding Long COVID and to improve the diagnosis and treatment for individuals living with this condition.
“Throughout the inquiry we’ve been deeply saddened and concerned to hear of the stigma being faced by those with lived and living experience of Long COVID and the impact this lack of awareness can have on people’s mental health and wellbeing, their educational and employment opportunities and their overall quality of life.
“We’ve now made several recommendations including establishing a single point of contact in health boards, increased leadership by the Scottish Government in assessing the effectiveness of Long-COVID clinics, raising awareness and understanding of the condition and making better use of health data.
“The recommendations made in our report must now be acted on to ensure that the stigma associated with long COVID is addressed, enabling those suffering from the condition to receive the recognition and support they both need and deserve.
“The Committee also wants to, once again, thank all of those who participated in the inquiry and recognise in particular the input from those with experience of the condition, whose evidence helped shape this inquiry from the outset and these recommendations to the Scottish Government.”
The Scottish Parliament should introduce proxy voting for those unable to vote due to illness, bereavement or on parental leave.
That’s the view of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee which has published a report calling for the introduction of a proxy voting pilot scheme with a view to it being established permanently in the Parliament.
The scheme would allow MSPs unable to vote for agreed reasons to nominate a proxy MSP who would cast their vote according to their wishes.
In a report published earlier this year, on Future Parliamentary procedures and practices, the Committee made clear that a hybrid parliament should be here to stay, including a recommendation to introduce proxy voting for those unable to vote in person.
Speaking on the report’s publication, Committee Convener Martin Whitfield MSP, said: “Our Committee is unanimous in their support for the introduction of a proxy voting scheme.
“We think Scotland’s democracy and its people are best served by ensuring that MSPs can still cast their votes even if they are unable to participate in parliamentary business due to the very human reasons of bereavement, illness or parental leave.
“We believe this is a positive, progressive step for the Parliament as we look to continue to evolve and to make the Parliament as accessible and inclusive as possible.”
Deputy Convener Bob Doris MSP added: “As a Parliament it is vital that we continue to look at ways to modernise and to increase participation in democratic processes.
“The introduction of a proxy voting scheme will ensure that MSPs can represent their constituents whether on parental leave, suffering serious illness or bereavement.
“We will continue to review current working practices as we look to innovate and improve Parliamentary processes, and to shape a Parliament fit for the future.”
Key points of the proxy voting being proposed:
MSPs may request a proxy vote due to illness, bereavement or if on parental leave;
A Member can designate any other Member as their proxy and it is for the Member to decide who to nominate;
A proxy vote is actioned by informing the Presiding Officer;
The proxy vote has the same status as a vote cast by a Member in person;
The use of a proxy will be recorded in the minutes of a meeting to ensure transparency;
The pilot would remain in force until 31 December 2023.
