Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill: Consultation Analysis

Footnotes

1 Masking is a strategy used by some autistic people, consciously or unconsciously, to appear non-autistic in order to blend in and be more accepted in society.

2 The Peer Support Network is for professionals from Health and Social Care Partnerships, clinicians, commissioners, social care providers, housing organisations, local authorities, family members, third sector organisations and other relevant stakeholders to provide an informal group for people to share best practice.

3 One organisation noted that they were surprised to see the need for legislation to ensure inclusive communication in the context of a child being removed as there is already a requirement to consider advocacy/alternative communication to support a parent’s understanding by the court. They noted that a removal order would not be considered without doing so.

4 In contrast, a small number of respondents gave positive feedback in relation to the new Social Security Scotland compared to previous experiences of the Department for Work and Pensions. This included comments that application processes were easier, staff were friendlier and applications appeared to be processed more quickly.