§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the ability of parents of children who are suffering from attention deficit hyperactive disorder to access disability living allowance. [39434]
§ Maria Eagle[holding answer 1 March 2002]: Parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can claim disability living allowance (DLA) and have their child's entitlement assessed in the normal way. The claimant's medical condition is not, necessarily, the key factor in qualifying for DLA because entitlement to the allowance is based on walking difficulties and/or the need for personal care or supervision which arise from severe disability. For children under age 16, these needs must be substantially in excess of the normal requirements of a child of the same age who is in normal health.
The guidance to decision makers in the disability handbook contains a chapter on behavioural disorders including the likely care, supervision or mobility needs arising from ADHD. Currently, DLA is received by some 42,500 children whose primary disability is recorded as being a "behavioural disorder".
Notes
1. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred.
2. Figures are at 31 August 2001.
Source:
ASD Information centre: 5 per cent data.