The Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee wants to understand more about the challenges facing neurodivergent people, and the support that is available for neurodivergent people in Scotland.
A neurodivergent person processes information in a different way from what might be considered typical.
Neurodivergent conditions can include:
The Committee plans to focus on the experience of neurodivergent people in the following areas:
It will hear from a range of organisations that provide advocacy, support and services to neurodivergent people.
In 2024, the Scottish Government decided to delay the introduction of a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill.
The Committee took evidence from stakeholders and the Minister to find out more about the impact of the decision and what could be achieved in absence of the Bill.
The Committee also heard from Autistic Disabled People’s Organisations as part of an informal session in 2025. Members were concerned to hear of the significant challenges faced by autistic disabled people in areas such as work, schooling, the justice system and the health sector. The Committee agreed to hold this inquiry as result of those evidence sessions.
The Committee plans to undertake the following activities for its inquiry:
20 January 2026
Evidence session with the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland
followed by:
Roundtable discussion with autistic disabled people's organisations and ADHD organisations:
10 February 2026
17 February 2026
24 February 2026
The inquiry was discussed at the following Committee meetings: