Influencing Public Policy
Autistic people and their families currently face many barriers to getting the support that they need throughout their life journey. Too often the rights of autistic people are undermined by services, employers, or organisations who do not accommodate or understand their needs. Systemic issues require broad societal change. Led by the priorities and concerns of autistic people, we speak up for public policy that will bring about that change.
Seizing the Moment
Find out more about ‘Seizing the Moment’, our manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament Elections.
Our 2026 manifestoBelow is just a sample of the work we are doing to influence policy and achieve change:
2026 Scottish Parliament elections
Ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections we are engaging with all political parties in Scotland to advocate for the rights and needs of autistic people to be considered and addressed in their manifestos and policy programmes and published our own manifesto.
Learning Disability Autism and Neurodivergence Bill
We provide input into the Scottish Government’s Learning Disability Autism and Neurodivergence Bill stakeholder group, based on extensive engagement with our own community of stakeholders. The Bill consultation came about after campaigning for legislation from Scottish Autism and partner organisations for greater accountability from government and public services for meeting the needs and upholding the rights of autistic people.
Education
We have raised awareness of widespread informal school inclusion and use of part-time timetables for autistic learners at school. We continue to advocate for better recording of exclusion, and more comprehensive autism training for teachers and school leaders. We are particularly concerned at the erosion of specialism withing Additional Support Needs provision in Scotland.
Specialism and commissioning
We wish to see proper acknowledgement of specialist, third-sector services in the governance and commissioning of social care in Scotland. In particular, we seek greater recognition and reward for the social care workforce.
Legislation
We have supported private members bills on reducing restraint and seclusion in education settings, and proper planning for transition to adulthood for disabled young people.
Cross Party Group on Autism
Scottish Autism is part of the secretariat for the Cross Party Group on Autism at the Scottish Parliament.
