The Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP is concerned over the circumstances in which face-to-face consultations for autism sufferers would be considered appropriate, and wants to ensure that those carrying out the assessment for payment have full training in autism spectrum disorder and, crucially, access to expert help when they need it.
Steve, who is also vice-chair of the autism All-Party Group, would also like to see the government involve adults with autism, and their families, in the development of the new assessment criteria for the personal independence payment.
In 2013-14, the government is proposing to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with the personal independence payment.
The Department for Work and Pensions, which is overseeing the change, has announced that no decisions have yet to be made. Minister Maria Miller said: "We believe that advice from an approved independent professional will be an important part of ensuring that assessments are objective and consistent.
"In most cases, we expect this to involve a face-to-face consultation to enable an in-depth look at an individual's circumstances. We know it is essential that the assessment accurately captures the needs of disabled people with autistic spectrum disorders and this is something that the assessment development group that we have established is considering."
Mrs Miller went on to say that the new assessment should 'explicitly take account' of the impact of a health condition or impairment on an individual's ability to communicate, and that this would set it apart from the current DLA assessment.
She continued: "Both I and departmental officials have met with the National Autistic Society to discuss our reform proposals and to seek their views on how the new benefit can best support those with autism. We will continue to work with disabled people and their organisations as the detail of the assessment criteria and its operation is developed and tested."
With regard to Healthcare Professionals carrying out the assessments, her colleague, Chris Grayling MP, added: "All Atos healthcare professionals who carry out assessments for employment and support allowance receive training on autistic spectrum disorders. As part of induction training they are issued with evidence-based protocols on mental health conditions which include information on autistic spectrum disorders.
"In addition, the training for all registered nurses and physiotherapists includes cases with role players where autistic spectrum disorder is the principal diagnosis. Following this, all HCPs are required to engage in a programme of continuing medical education and Atos, in conjunction with the DWP, have developed a number of training modules specifically on autistic spectrum disorders as part of this."
Pictured; Maria Miller MP, Minister for Disabled People