Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has highlighted in Parliament that small changes to a school environment can make a massive difference to neurodiverse pupils.
At Education Portfolio Questions last week Fiona relayed feedback from young neurodiverse Constituents to the Education Secretary calling for a number of changes to improve their experience in schools, including one-way systems and fewer vibrant decorative classrooms with overwhelming stimuli.
Fiona commented,
“It is clear that more needs to be done to help neurodiverse pupils thrive at school, but there are also very basic changes that can be made to help children and young people now.
“I am pleased that the Education Secretary has confirmed that the Autism Toolbox Working Group is currently updating the toolbox to ensure that it meets the needs of the pupils it aims to support.
“I will continue to engage with the Education Secretary on this issue to ensure that the experiences and views of my neurodivergent Constituents are taken into account ahead of the completion of the revised Autism Toolbox in Spring next year.”
The working group value the contributions from autistic individuals to the development and ongoing work of the refreshed Autism Toolbox. Readers can contact the working group at autismtoolbox@gov.scot