Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has raised the need for early identification of neurodiverse children and young people and the introduction of adaptations in schools to the Scottish Government. During Education Portfolio Questions at the Scottish Parliament, Fiona asked the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Shirley-Anne Somerville, for more insight into the progress of Scottish Government’s actions on this matter, as set out in the Autism in Schools Action Plan.
Fiona also recently visited the Donaldson Trust– the leading charity in Scotland for neurodiversity, which is based in Linlithgow in Fiona’s Constituency – to hear more about the charity’s work, and what can be done to support neurodiverse young people.
Fiona commented,
“Early identification can make a world of difference to neurodiverse children and young people, allowing them to access the support they need at an earlier stage – rather than having to wait until a crisis point before their needs are identified.
“I have recently met with a number of my constituents, who are neurodiverse, and they provided great insight into the difficulties they have faced in mainstream schools in particular. Small adaptations to school environments and teaching could really improve the experiences of neurodiverse students.
“The Autism in Schools Action Plan sets out important steps but it is important that these are delivered on the ground in mainstream schools and I was glad to highlight the needs of neurodiverse pupils in Parliament”.
ENDS
Editor’s Notes: The Official Report of the Meeting of the Parliament on 23rd June can be found here:
http://archive2021.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=13840&mode=pdf