Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government is committed to meeting the needs of children with autism. We want all children and young people to reach their full potential. It is imperative that children who are displaying violent behaviours, whether it be in a school or social settings, are provided with access to locally based support.

Children and young people should feel happy, safe, respected and included in the learning environment and all staff should be proactive in promoting positive relationships and behaviour in the classroom, playground, and wider learning community. There are a range of strategies and programmes which schools can and do use to improve relationships and behaviour including good behaviour management and behaviour support teams; solution oriented approaches and restorative approaches; and nurture approaches and programmes to help develop social, emotional and behavioural skills.

Education authorities and other agencies have duties under the Additional Support for Learning Act 2004 (as amended) to identify, provide for and keep under review the additional support needs of their pupils, including children and young people with autism. This would include strategies for management of behaviour.

Children with mental health issues have access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services; where violent behaviours indicate a mental health problem then CAMHS support may be appropriate. Under Integration Authorities’ arrangements it is the responsibility of NHS Boards and Local Authorities to ensure they meet the needs of their local population, including considering access to locally-based support to children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.