§ Linda PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will amend the eligibility criteria for disability benefits for people with autism spectrum disorders. [127854]
§ Maria EagleNo. People with autism spectrum disorders are entitled to disability living allowance and attendance allowance on the same basis as anyone else with a severe disability. They will qualify if they meet the entitlement conditions for the benefit, which depend on the effects that severe physical or mental disability have on a person's need for personal care and/or their ability to walk and not on particular disabilities or diagnoses.
The numbers of people receiving the benefits as a result of the effects of autism spectrum disorders are not recorded separately, but are included in the more general category of those with 'learning difficulties'. As at February 2003, over 239,000 people whose main disabling condition is recorded as learning difficulties were receiving disability living allowance.