Welcome for national strategy on autism care

Published on Friday 28 May 2010 20:20

CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed moves to set up a national autism strategy by MSPs at Holyrood.

Liberal Democrat MSP Hugh O'Donnell has put forward a member's bill to introduce the measure.

The bill has gained enough support to be considered by the Scottish Parliament, after 34 MSPs backed the move.

Mr O'Donnell said Scotland was the only part of the UK without an autism strategy.

The Autism Strategy Bill would place a statutory duty on the Scottish Government to issue guidance to health boards and councils and includes measures for better provision for those with the disorder.

Carol Evans, of the National Autistic Society Scotland, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the proposed Autism Bill for Scotland is progressing to the next stage in parliament.

"This is a significant step forwards for the 50,000 people with autism across Scotland, their families and carers."

Mr O'Donnell, an MSP for Central Scotland, said: "People living with autism in Scotland deserve the best care available to them, and having a national strategy will go towards making sure this happens.

"Scotland is the only part of the United Kingdom without a national strategy, and I am glad that my proposal for a national autism strategy has garnered the support needed for it to proceed through parliament."