A Scotland for everyone
Mandatory neurodiversity training for frontline care, health and education workers would transform lives and reduce stigma, say the Scottish Greens.
The party will commit to introducing mandatory autism and ADHD training for health and social care staff, teachers and other relevant education staff, and police and justice services as part of its 2026 manifesto..
This would help staff in roles working directly with the public to feel confident in their understanding of neurodivergence, and give them the skills needed to better help autistic people and those with ADHD, as well as making people feel valued and respected, rather than dismissed or stigmatised for their lived experience and needs.
At present, there is no mandate for health, care and education workers to be trained in understanding and supporting neurodivergent people, meaning an entire section of disability awareness is knowingly being missed out on, potentially impacting the lives and daily interactions of many.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay MSP said:
“A fairer, better Scotland is one built on compassion, understanding and good communication at every level, for everyone. That is why we will be committing to introducing mandatory neurodiversity training for health, care and education sector workers in our manifesto.
“Every person living here deserves to feel understood and respected in their daily lives, but for many neurodivergent people, including those who have ADHD or are autistic, daily interactions with teachers or health care staff can leave them feeling dismissed, misunderstood or even stigmatised.
“Training on disability and inclusion is rightfully becoming increasingly common in many workplaces, but we are missing the mark by not including neurodiversity training as a mandatory component in this.
“If we ensure that every relevant worker is trained to learn about and understand neurodiversity, they will gain the tools to better support neurodivergent people at work, at home and in our streets. This is how we can become a kinder, better and greener country, and it is the Scotland that I want to live in.”