The term neurodivergence covers a multitude of human experiences. What does it mean? In March 2026, within weeks of the May election, the Scottish Government produced a report which suggests a possible umbrella definition as it works towards a “learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence bill” [LDAN]
For example, learning disabilities, Down’s Syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. Scottish Government, ‘Working towards a learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence bill”
The LDAN bill was delayed last year and is now among many challenges facing the next Scottish government. These challenges are clearly outlined by Fraser of Allander’s David Jack, a statistician and Senior Knowledge Exchange Fellow who leads the Leading Good Lives Research programme.
Here Sceptical Scot posts an extract from David Jack’s latest update. This one focuses on the need for urgent attention addressing the implementation gaps between policy and practice, through action based on essential data – but also an equally essential understanding of lived experience: the lives of real people.
Challenges facing neurodivergent people in Scotland require urgent attention
A key theme running throughout the evidence was the stark gap between policy and practice. While frameworks and supports exist on paper, the lived experiences shared with the Committee suggest these are not being realised in meaningful or consistent ways. David Jack
Members of Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee have published a report emphasising that the challenges facing neurodivergent people in Scotland require urgent attention. Their decision to launch this inquiry followed the postponement of the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill, a delay that raised serious concerns about whether the needs of neurodivergent people were being genuinely prioritised.
In the wake of this setback, the Committee undertook a series of formal and informal evidence sessions. What emerged was a consistent picture across education, employment and the criminal justice system, with neurodivergent people continuing to encounter barriers that are not only persistent but preventable.
A key theme running throughout the evidence was the stark gap between policy and practice. While frameworks and supports exist on paper, the lived experiences shared with the Committee suggest these are not being realised in meaningful or consistent ways. The Committee therefore emphasised that the next administration must engage directly with neurodivergent people to fully understand the scale of these disconnects, often described as implementation gaps, and how they can be addressed.
The Committee also acknowledged the growing demand on systems, with unprecedented numbers of people either receiving or seeking a neurodivergent diagnosis. Alongside this, significant concerns were raised once again about data. For example, there is a lack of robust information on the prevalence and experiences of neurodivergent people within the criminal justice system, from accused persons to victims and witnesses.
What works in practice?
We were pleased to see evidence from the Fraser of Allander’s Chirsty McFadyen included as part of the report. Chirsty’s work, which focuses on employment, reflects a key strand of our Leading Good Lives programme. Drawing on Fraser of Allander research with employers both with and without experience of hiring someone with a learning disability, Chirsty highlighted a clear demand for practical guidance. Employers have consistently asked for case studies, whether delivered in person or online, to better understand what simple adjustments might look like in practice.
We have also heard that many employers are unsure where to find reliable information or how to get started. There is a sense that existing guidance is often not concrete or detailed enough to support confident implementation. As Chirsty noted, low levels of disclosure further complicate this, leaving employers without clear insight into what approaches are most effective. Embedding support into everyday systems could help address this, making it easier to identify what works in practice.
The report highlights the importance of continuing our work to better understand people’s experiences of trying to access and sustain work, as well as the challenges faced by employers in creating genuinely inclusive workplaces. This is central to making progress on the disability employment gap.
It is encouraging to see lived experience reflected throughout the report. More broadly, it underlines the importance of combining quantitative data with lived experience. Both are essential if policy is to be grounded in the realities of people’s lives and to drive more informed, practical action to improve employment opportunities across Scotland.
Looking ahead
The path forward will require sustained focus on embedding inclusive practice across health, social care, education, justice and employment systems. Transparent and consistent data collection will remain central, supporting evidence-based decision making and the monitoring of outcomes. Equally important is meaningful engagement with neurodivergent people and those with learning disabilities, ensuring policies reflect real needs and lead to tangible improvements in everyday life.
For policymakers, this will mean balancing ambition with clear resourcing, robust data, effective implementation and accountable delivery. As the Scottish Parliament election approaches, the insights, proposals and evidence emerging from recent publications and the work that underpins them offer a strong foundation for shaping the next government’s priorities. The opportunity now is to turn proposals and policy ambition into real progress, creating systems, workplaces and communities where all people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people can truly lead good lives.
Read the full FAI report From Proposals to Progress: improving the lives of people with learning difficulties in Scotland
Author
David Jack
David is a Senior Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the Fraser of Allander Institute. Previously, he worked in a range of analytical positions across the public sector, primarily as a statistician.
Feature image by Fay Young Sceptical Scot co-editor
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