A HOLYROOD committee has called on the Scottish government to “act urgently” to tackle issues neurodivergent people face.

As part of its inquiry launched after the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill was delayed, the equalities, human rights and civil justice committee heard “devastating” evidence some people had taken their own lives while awaiting diagnosis amid growing delays.

Committee convener SNP’s Karen Adam said: “We cannot carry on like this.

“The Scottish government must act urgently so that our public services understand distress, communication and difference properly, so that we can intervene early, reduce harm, and support better outcomes across education, health, employment and justice.”

Noting demand had “increased significantly in recent years,” Mental Well-being Minister Tom Arthur said: “While a diagnosis can be important, it should never be a barrier to receiving support.

“What matters most is that people get the right support at the right time.

“That is why I made a further £3.4 million available for a range of projects aimed at improving access to neurodevelopmental supports and services, taking our total additional investment in 2025-26 to £3.9m.”