Campaigners have been left “upset and angry” after the new Scottish government has decided not to proceed with the planned Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill.
The SNP-led Scottish government had launched a consultation in December 2023 on a proposed new Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill.
They followed this up in 2025 with three advisory panels on the proposed new legislation. Then, as recently as March this year, they published a policy paper which suggested the Bill would incorporate a statutory national strategy as well as local delivery plans, statutory guidance, mandatory training for public sector staff, improved data collection, independent advocacy, options for enhanced accountability and measures relating to complex care and delayed discharge, communications support needs in justice settings and other matters.
Back in 2023, they said they were “committed to protecting, respecting and championing the rights of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people.”
Fast-forward to 2026, and a general election was held in May, ushering in a new SNP government in Scotland, which has taken the decision to abandon the Bill.
Policy reform, not legislation, the focus for Learning Disabilities and Autism
The official announcement came from the Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs, Maree Todd MSP. She said:
“While legislation can be an important tool for driving change, Ministers have concluded that progress is needed now through policy reform, service improvement and targeted investment, rather than a legislative process which would take several years to complete and implement. Our focus is therefore on delivering practical improvements now, while retaining the option of future legislation should evidence show that additional statutory measures are required.”
While her statement says the potential for future legislation “remains open” it asserts that evidence, engagement and lived experience contributions gathered through the process of developing the Bill are already informing government thinking.
It also says that work is currently underway in several key areas, including:
- Improving neurodevelopmental support so people can access the right support at the right time;
- Expanding Learning Disability Annual Health Checks;
- Delivering the Coming Home Action Plan;
- Increasing the availability of Changing Places Toilets; and continuing improvement work across health, education and wider public services.
Families “upset and angry” at abandoned Learning Disabilities and Autism Bill
But leading charity the National Autistic Society still says the decision to shelve the LDAN Bill has left autistic people and their families “upset and angry,” as well as “confused and dismayed.”
In a statement on their website, they said the decision to drop the Bill was “despite the fact that individuals and families continue to be driven into crisis.”
They added:
“In Scotland, autistic people are still more likely to face unemployment, be socially isolated, not receive an education, experience physical and mental health problems, and die younger than non-autistic people.
“The LDAN Bill sought to address many of these issues by taking a whole-life approach, and improving experiences across social security, education, health and social care, transport, justice and many more.
“In the absence of the Bill, there is no national plan to remedy the systemic injustices autistic people continue to face. We are particularly dismayed that two pillars of the Bill – mandatory training in the public sector and requirements for national and local government to publish strategies – are completely absent from the Scottish Government’s plans.
“We understand that many people will be confused and dismayed at this decision from the Scottish Government, and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has campaigned with us. Your hard work has led to important commitments, including action on Additional Support Needs and diagnosis pathways, both of which were key asks from our Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign.
“The National Autistic Society Scotland will now work to ensure the Scottish Government takes immediate and effective action on these commitments. We intend to be proactive and constructive in holding the Government to account and, as ever, we will continue to centre the voices and experiences of autistic people and families.”
Disappointed charities speak out over abandoned Bill
Other charities have also spoken of being “deeply disappointed” by the new government’s decision.
SWAN Autism explains:
“We know that there were differing views across our community about particular elements of the proposed Bill. SWAN, alongside many other autistic-led organisations and organisations supporting neurodivergent people and their families, worked over several years to inform its development, advocate for changes and create opportunities for as many people as possible to contribute through consultations, focus groups and other forms of engagement.
“Many autistic people and their families gave their time, energy and trust to this process. Some shared deeply personal and traumatic experiences in the hope that the Bill would lead to meaningful change, stronger protection of people’s rights and greater accountability.”
The charity added that it remains committed to challenging the inequalities and barriers that autistic people face.
The Scottish ADHD Coalition said it was currently formulating its response, and coordinating with other charities and organisations in order to do so. It referred to a petition already circulating online to ‘save the LDAN Bill.’
Meanwhile, Scottish Autism said they were “deeply disappointed,” with their official response, posted on their website, also explaining:
“Given the amount of time, effort and energy invested by so many people, it is extremely disheartening and de-moralising to see no legislative outcome from that work.”
Government needs to “rebuild trust” among Learning Disability and Autism communities
The Scottish Labour Party have also criticised the government’s decision to abandon the Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill.
Scottish Labour spokesperson for Community Care, Joe Long, said the LDAN Bill had represented “an opportunity to address the unmet needs, rights and poorer life outcomes of highly marginalised communities,” adding that the government’s decision to shelve it was “deeply disappointing.”
He added:
“People with learning disabilities, autistic and other neurodivergent people are too often let down by public services that do not work for them, and they have been let down again by the Scottish Government’s decision to abandon this legislation.
“Stakeholders, experts and, most importantly, people with lived experience, have put years of work into developing this legislation. They have given their time, shared their stories, and shared their trauma.
“John Swinney should reconsider this decision, or set out exactly how his government will rebuild trust with these communities and deliver the changes we need to see.”
The government’s official announcement states:
“Ministers remain strongly committed to improving outcomes for people with learning disabilities, autistic people and neurodivergent people through a programme of reform, service improvement and investment.”
Learning Disabilities and Autism training and support
First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider.
They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food safety, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.
Their diverse portfolio includes training awards designed for care workers, such as Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, Positive Behaviour Support, Safeguarding Adults, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Person Centred Care and Support and many others.
Their course portfolio spans Care Certificate standards, mandatory training awards, clinical skills, special focus courses and training for supervisors and managers.
A Trainer at FRT, says:
“We repeatedly see how people with learning disabilities, autistic people and other neurodivergent individuals experience inequalities, barriers and failings across health and social care, education and employment.
“Across society, we need to focus on ways of improving understanding, support, access and quality of life for all individuals. A simple first step is training and education to increase awareness and improve understanding of the lived experience of individuals.”
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training
FRT was one of the first training providers in the country to be approved to offer essential training in line with the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism.
They are quality assured to deliver Oliver’s Training through the Quality Assured Care Learning Service (QACLS) from the Department of Health and Social Care and Skills for Care.
The national training provider aims to empower and educate staff to transform their practice by embracing the lived experiences of autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities. Through the collaborative strength of their trios—facilitating trainers and experts with lived experience — FRT aims to inspire lasting change in how individuals are understood, supported, and valued.
FRT are hosting a series of open, public Tier 2 courses in London, Manchester and Birmingham in the coming months. You can book a space on any of these courses online now.
FRT have also developed a free-to-download quick guide to the new Oliver McGowan draft code of practice.
This guide explains what the new code of practice means for health and social care providers, how to stay current, and how to meet new legal duties.
You can also download FRT’s free Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training brochure.
Providing an alternative training solution
To offer health and care providers flexibility and choice, FRT have also developed their own Tier 2 Mandatory Autism and Learning Disabilities Training package.
Fully mapped to the core capabilities framework, Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Code of Practice and externally accredited, this package offers providers an efficient, affordable alternative solution.
The training is designed to meet statutory standards and equip health and social care staff to deliver more empathetic, person-centred support.
A trainer at FRT explains:
“This isn’t just about compliance. It’s a chance to improve outcomes, reduce bias, and truly understand the lived realities of autistic individuals and people with learning disabilities, helping to improve care and support and prevent avoidable deaths.”
You can learn more about how FRT developed this training package here.
For further information on other types of neurodiversity training, visit their webpage or download the brochure.
You can contact FRT via freephone 0800 310 2300, send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com or submit an online enquiry.