[WATCH] New autism board launched by family minister

Family minister announces new autism board to evaluate disability claims

Family minister Michael Farrugia today announced the creation of a new board that will verify benefit claims submitted by parents with disabled children.

Noting that 41% of the 132 benefit applications by parents with disabled children related to autism, Farrugia said that the board would include autism experts who will ensure that the process is rigorous.

“The decision to set up this board is a result of various discussions with the Autism Parents Association,” he said, explaining that the ministry had received a number of complaints about the current system in place.

“Many felt that the evaluation procedure was not rigorous enough, so we have decided to include a number of Autism experts in the evaluation board,” Farrugia added.

He added that the board would be dedicated specifically to autism claims and that it would include some two or three professionals, and that it would come into effect immediately.

“The doctors on the board were recommended to us by the association on the basis of their extensive everyday experience with children with autism,” he said.

One of the directors of social services, Edward Buttigieg explained that 17 of the above mentioned 41% of applications had already been accepted, and that some 37 were still to be evaluated, under the new system.

“Those who feel they have been assessed badly may request a reassessment,” he added.

The meeting was also attended by permanent secretary Mark Mifsud, and committee members from the Autism Parents Association Valerie Brincat, and Petra Peel, who both expressed their gratitude for this much needed emasure.