Requests for extended benefits and other benefits made by parents of children with autism will now be evaluated by a board comprising doctors and a representative from the social services department. The board will evaluate whether such families are eligible for social benefits, Family and Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia said.

Addressing journalists at the the ministry, Dr Farrugia said that this new measure has been implemented due to the fact that there were certain cases whereby applications received were not genuine. 

He said that doctors will be able to determine whether the child is in fact autistic. He said that genuine applications will be approved.

Dr Farrugia said that 132 applications had been received by the social services department by families of children with a disability. 41% of those received he added, were sent by relatives of autistic persons.

Autism Association representatives – who were also present for the news conference – welcomed the new measure which will see those who genuinely suffer from the condition receiving social benefits.