Autistic children will now be examined by two specialised doctors and a representative from the social services department, Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia.

This was being done following complaints by parents and the Autism Parents’ Association that children with high-functioning or borderline autism were sometimes not being recognised as such and their applications were rejected.

Any person that is certified to be suffering from some kind of physical and/or mental disability may be granted disabled child allowance. This is over and above the children’s allowance.

Once an application is received, it is referred to a medical panel who decides if the child is eligible or not.

Dr Farrugia said the board had by the end of July this year received 132 applications for the disabled child allowance, 41 per cent of the applications from parents of autistic children.

Parents with autistic children who were not deemed eligible by the board would be reconsidered under the new arrangement.