Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance his Department produces for PIP assessors on how to process cases where an applicant has autism spectrum disorder.

All claimants, including those with autism spectrum disorder, are assessed in accordance with the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Guide available on GOV.UK.

Assessment providers are required to ensure all health professionals (HPs) carrying out PIP assessments have comprehensive training and knowledge of the clinical aspects and overall functional effects of a wide range of health conditions and impairments, including autism spectrum disorder.

HPs have access to a wide range of clinical resources, including e-learning modules and case studies, to research any conditions presented. Both Capita and Independent Assessment Services have a Condition Insight Report on autism for use by their HPs. In addition, HPs are also expected to keep their knowledge up to date through continuing professional development.