Tim Nicholls, Assistant Director of Policy, Research and Strategy at the National Autistic Society, said: “We welcome the Work and Pensions Committee Report’s recommendations to make the department safer, more transparent, and more accountable. But there is a very long way to go. 
  
"Autistic people tell us that the DWP doesn’t understand their needs and that it’s not a safe or supportive environment. There is a lack of understanding about autism, and it doesn’t listen to autistic people when it’s designing its support or services. 

"With damaging benefits reform around the corner, many autistic people will feel like the DWP isn’t there for them. As we told the Committee, it is vital for this to go beyond typical government consultation and involve co-production and co-design. By including autistic people at the heart of decisions that concern them, we can secure the best outcomes for autistic and disabled people."