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Autism

Volume 407: debated on Monday 16 June 2003

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To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans his Department has to ensure that people with autism spectrum disorders can obtain the full range of disability benefits. [118009]

People with autism spectrum disorders are entitled to disability living allowance and attendance allowance if they meet the usual qualifying conditions for the benefits. Receipt of these benefits can also give entitlement to disability premiums in the income-related benefits and to the disability elements in tax credits. To help severely disabled people claim disability living allowance and attendance allowance we are improving the claim forms and the process for making claims. Decision-makers receive specifically designed training to help them deal with claims from people with autism spectrum disorders and other learning difficulties.