Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether people administering work capability assessments are required to undertake training on autism and autistic spectrum disorders; and if he will make a statement.

All Healthcare Professionals conducting Work Capability Assessments receive extensive training regarding autism spectrum disorders as part of their initial new entrant training. This training programme includes simulated assessments covering claimants with autism and learning disabilities to allow Healthcare Professionals to develop appropriate consultation skills. All Healthcare Professionals have access to condition specific information on autism which is quality assured by external reviewers. Healthcare Professionals are further supported by Functional Champions who are available to provide advice to Healthcare Professionals on particular conditions including autism before, during or after an assessment.