Hansard

I absolutely understand the point that my colleague has made. The film “I Swear” will probably do more for public understanding than anything that the Government can do. I commend the creative effort that went into the film. Sometimes, creative projects such as that can shift public understanding in a way that Government campaigns cannot. I am confident that my colleagues across the Government would be content to engage on the issue to see whether there is more that we can do.

There was record investment—more than £1 billion—in additional support for learning by local authorities in 2023-24. The budget for 2025-26 set out an additional £29 million for additional support for learning, which includes an allocation for local and national programmes to support the recruitment and retention of the ASL workforce, ensuring that we build on the work being delivered through the additional support for learning plan. That funding will be used to improve outcomes for all children and young people with ASN, in line with the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, and it will build on existing spend on inclusion to ensure the broadest possible reach.

All teachers undertake ASN training during their initial teacher education, which is a requirement to meet the professional standards for registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. We remain committed to exploring options for initial teacher education, and we are considering further steps to improve the support that is available for teachers in other areas.

There is a wide range of free professional learning opportunities set within the Scottish context, which individual educators, establishments, local authorities and unions can use and adapt to suit their context. They are provided by a range of organisations, including Education Scotland, professional organisations, unions, health bodies and third sector organisations. We work with third sector organisations such as the national autism implementation team to produce materials that support professional learning and development for those working with autistic learners.

As Pam Duncan-Glancy said, the condition is often diagnosed alongside others. We are working with partners to develop that work further and to improve the support that is available. Teachers have access to an inclusion, wellbeing and equalities professional learning framework via Education Scotland, as is outlined in the most recent additional support for learning action plan update.

I thank everyone who has contributed to the debate, Tourette Scotland and the individuals who have come along to hear the debate for highlighting the needs of people with Tourette syndrome. We will continue to work with people with lived experience, third sector partners and education providers to improve the lives of people with Tourette syndrome across Scotland.