To ask Her Majesty's Government how many consultant posts exist for the diagnosis and treatment of autism; and whether there are plans to increase that number. [HL2407]

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many health professionals working in primary care are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of autism; and whether they plan to increase that number. [HL2408]

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the spread of professionals trained in the diagnosis and treatment of autism is proportionate to demand across the country; and what proposals they have for the distribution of those skills. [HL2409]

The number of consultant posts dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of autism is not held centrally, nor is the number of healthcare professionals trained in the diagnosis and treatment of autism.

We believe it is essential that autism awareness training is available to everyone working in health or social care. Actions in the autism strategy include a programme to develop training with health and social care professional bodies (backed by £500,000 investment). However, we do not set specific targets for how many people should be trained by when.