31 August 2026
by Rab Armour
Autistic people continue to face significant barriers
More than 1,100 people have backed a campaign calling on the Scottish Government to strengthen the rights of autistic people.
National Autistic Society Scotland said its Act Now for Autistic Rights petition has attracted 1,187 signatures, passing its target of 1,000.
The campaign has also prompted supporters to send more than 5,500 letters to Scotland’s political party leaders demanding stronger protections and better outcomes for autistic people and their families.
Campaigners and charity staff gathered outside Bute House in Edinburgh on 24 August to mark the milestone and renew calls for action from the Scottish Government.
The charity said autistic people continue to face significant barriers in education, employment and access to diagnosis and support.
It said employment rates among autistic people are estimated to be as low as 29%, while 74% of parents say their child’s school placement does not meet their needs.
Families are also facing lengthy waits for an autism diagnosis, with the longest reported wait for a child reaching six years.
Suzi Martin, external affairs manager at National Autistic Society Scotland, said: "Our petition sends a really strong message to the Scottish Government that the time to act is now. Autistic people and their families are continually driven into crisis because of a lack of support, and they’ve waited too long for change.
"The longer the government takes to act, the longer the waiting lists get, the longer autistic children go without an education, and the more autistic adults face unemployment and poor health. That is why over 1000 people and counting are calling on the Scottish Government to act now for autistic rights!"
Caiden, National Autistic Society campaigner, said: "It felt amazing and touching to be invited to go to Bute House. It was a privilege. Reaching more than 1,100 signatures is an incredible achievement and very important to the National Autistic Society.
"I think it’s important that the Scottish Government acts now and recognises that autistic people cannot be ignored."
Autism rights petition passes target - TFN
The above information is from a Third Force News (TFN) Weekly Social Justice and Poverty roundup Newsletter Tue 01/09/2026