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People with autism spectrum conditions are unfairly treated for PIP claims
by RUTH HUNT
Lonely Man Autism stock

THOSE with autism, their family members and advocates claim that the emphasis on the face-to-face assessments in the personal independence payment (PIP) process is leading to them losing this benefit or receiving downgraded awards. 

This is exacerbated by a general lack of awareness about autism among the assessors, which can lead to the bizarre situation of a health visitor, nurse or paramedic acting as an assessor, contradicting the view of a senior consultant.

Autism spectrum condition (ASC) affects how a person communicates and relates to those around them. 

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