Grow Scottish economy by £884 million by supporting autistic adults into work

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene has today uncovered figures from the Scottish Government which reveal autistic adults could contribute an additional £884 million if action was taken to support them with underemployment and unemployment.

In response to a parliamentary question from Mr Greene, Scottish government minister Tom Arthur revealed that the productivity loss associated with autistic adults in Scotland totalled £884 million through underemployment and/or unemployment.

On Wednesday 28th May, Scottish Liberal Democrats led a debate in the Scottish Parliament demanding new treatment pathways for neurodiversity, warning that the lack of treatment options is negatively impacting the Scottish economy.

Scottish Liberal Democrats have previously revealed the longest waits for an autism diagnosis, including a 1,293 days wait in NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

Mr Greene said:

“People with autism and other neurodevelopmental concerns have enormous potential that is being allowed to go to waste. Helping these people find roles that fit them could be worth more than £880 million for the Scottish economy.

“There will always be some for whom paid work is not a feasible option but for many more, if they got the right support or the right career advice, they could find a role that fits them and their needs.

“For those waiting for months for a diagnosis to open the door to support services, these revelations will be depressingly familiar.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have repeatedly called for better support, and now it’s time for the Scottish Health Secretary to listen and act to ensure that all those waiting get the help they need. That’s not just the compassionate approach, but it would also be the sensible one economically, allowing people to get to work.”