O’Donnell welcomes autism report

5.22.31pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Jun 2010

Liberal Democrat MSP for Central Scotland, Hugh O’Donnell has said that a report from the National Autistic Society Scotland highlights the postcode lottery that exists across Scotland in terms of provision of care available for those with autism.

He said it confirms the need for an Autism Strategy for Scotland which is now progressing through the Scottish Parliament, as a result of Mr O’Donnell’s Members’ Bill.

Commenting he said:

“I welcome this recent report from the National Autistic Society as it confirms what is widely known, that there is a postcode lottery in terms of the provision of autism services in Scotland.

“At the moment Scotland is the only part of the UK without an Autism Strategy and I am pleased that my Members’ bill for a strategy for Scotland is now proceeding through the Scottish Parliament after an overwhelmingly positive consultation process.

“A strategy for Scotland will go towards ending the postcode lottery which exists in Scotland in terms of service provision for users and their carers.

“It is another step along the road to more equality and better care for people with autism, their families and carers.