To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what guidance her Department issues to assessors on the account to be taken of representations by (a) parents and (b) professionals who know the child concerned in determining amounts of disability living allowance in respect of young people with autism; (284257)

All claims for disability living allowance are decided by decision makers who are required to make decisions fairly and impartially based on the application of the law to the facts of the individual case.

Decision maker training covers all available legal and medical guidance in relation to the weighing of evidence from individual sources. The impairment specific training received by decision makers includes sessions on autistic spectrum disorder and learning disability. Evidence provided by parents and professionals involved in the care of children with autistic spectrum disorder are considered an important source of evidence.

The Department provides decision makers with guidance on deciding claims for disability living allowance within the Decision Makers Guide. In addition, guidance is given in respect of children with autistic spectrum disorder within the Disability Handbook which includes guidance on the best sources of evidence.

The Department is reviewing and updating medical guidance for people under 16 covering a number of impairments with relevant medical experts. Autistic spectrum disorder is included in this review.

All staff determining claims to disability living allowance receive training on how to use all guidance. Advice is also provided on how to interpret information provided by parents and other professionals. This will also be reviewed and updated in line with the new medical guidance.