For the first time ever, a record number of individuals with autism have applied for an income replacement allowance (IRA), according to De Tijd on Saturday, with a rise in applications noted in Flanders as well.
In 2024, around 3,000 people sought an IRA for this condition, yet approximately one-third of these applications (941) were rejected.
A decade ago, only 740 applications were submitted, based on data obtained by De Tijd from the Federal Public Service for Social Security.
In Flanders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has seen the largest increase in support requests submitted to the Flemish Agency for Persons with Disabilities (VAPH) over the past five years.
In 2024, 17,143 individuals registered with VAPH for ASD, compared to 12,800 in 2019.
