To ask the Secretary of State for Health what mechanisms his Department has to ensure the continuity of health and social care services provided for children with autism and Asperger's syndrome as they make the transition to adulthood. (183400)

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) is the lead Department on transition from children's to adult services, and on social care for children. However, the Department of Health launched good practice guidance at a conference in March 2006, “Transition: getting it right for young people”, a copy of which is available in the Library. The same good practice guidance as applies to children with autistic spectrum disorders applies to those with any other condition. The 2007 report, “Aiming High for Disabled Children” proposed a transition support programme for 14 to 19-year-olds and DCSF has allocated £19 million to pilot arrangements.