Work and Pensions written question – answered at on 15 March 2011.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
(1) what steps the Government plans to take to consider the needs of people with autism when designing the assessment procedure for the proposed personal independence payment;
(2) if he will ensure that all personal independence payment assessors have the requisite multi-disciplinary knowledge to assess the needs of people with autism.
The assessment is being developed in collaboration with an independent group of specialists in health, social care and disability, including disabled people. This group is currently undertaking the early design work on the assessment criteria. Once the broad principles are in place, we will work with the assessment group and disabled people and their organisations on the refinement and testing of the detail of the criteria. We know it is essential that it accurately captures the needs of disabled people with autistic spectrum disorders and this is something that the development group is considering.
We are still considering the most appropriate delivery model for the personal independence payment assessment and no decisions have yet been taken. We recognise the importance of providing adequate training and guidance for assessors and of ensuring that the assessment process is appropriate to individual's circumstances, including individuals with autistic spectrum disorders. Both I and departmental officials have met with the National Autistic Society to discuss our reform proposals and to seek their views on how the new benefit can best support those with autism. We agree with many of the points raised in the National Autistic Society's recent report on DLA reform "Who benefits?" and we are looking closely at how these recommendations can be incorporated into its design. We are keen to continue to work with disabled people and their organisations as the detail of the assessment criteria and its operation is developed and tested.
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