To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what disability training medical professionals undertaking personal independence payment assessments are required to have in respect to autism.
Answered on
21 October 2019
All health professionals carrying out assessments are medically qualified and highly trained practitioners in their own field.
DWP requires health professionals to have a broad training in disability analysis as well as awareness training in specific conditions which include autistic spectrum disorder.
While preparing to undertake an assessment, health professionals have access to a range of resources as well as experienced clinicians to support them in assessing claimants with conditions that they may not be familiar with.
Additionally, assessment providers engage with medical experts, charities and relevant stakeholders to strengthen their training programmes.