Autism Bill rejected by MSPs

A PLAN to boost the quality of autism care for children in the Lothians has been rejected by the Scottish Parliament.

It was hoped that the Autism Bill, which had considerable input from Edinburgh experts, would remove barriers for families with youngsters with the learning disability.

But ministers, while praising the Bill's intentions, rejected its implementation at the first stage.

Committee convener, MSP Karen Whitefield MSP, said: "We recognise the good intentions and goodwill behind it, and that this Bill has led to a number of significant steps being taken by the Scottish Government on autism.

"However, the committee is not convinced the proposed Scottish Government strategy on autism would be improved by passing autism-specific legislation."