Adults Quarterly Autism statistics
Adults Quarterly Autism statistics
Published 02 May 2024
Theme: Adults Quarterly Autism statistics for Northern Ireland
Purpose: For information
Authors (statisticians): Heidi Rodgers, Deborah Kinghan
Publication date: 02 May 2024
Issued by: Community Information Branch, Information and Analysis Directorate, Department of Health, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SQ
Email: cib@health-ni.gov.uk
Webpage: NI Autism Statistics
1. Adults Autism Referrals
During quarter ending 31 March 2024, there were 163 accepted autism referrals for adults in Northern Ireland, a decrease of 26.2% since 31 March 2023 (Figure 1). Table 1 sets out the number of accepted autism referrals for adults in Northern Ireland from 31 March 2022 to 31 March 2024. Table 2 sets out the annual number of accepted autism referrals for adults from year ending 31 March 2019 to year ending 31 March 2024. Please note that since 31 March 2021 the Northern HSC Trust has been unable to provide figures in regards to the number of adult autism referrals; therefore, the Northern Ireland figures since then relate to the Belfast, South Eastern, Southern, and Western HSC Trust’s only.
Table 1: Number of accepted autism referrals for adults from 31 March 2022 to 31 March 2024
Note: From March 2021, the Northern HSC Trust have been unable to provide data due to ongoing unavailability of information arising from system migration issues.
| Quarter ending | Number of adult autism referrals in NI |
|---|---|
| 31 Mar 2022 | 128 |
| 30 Jun 2022 | 176 |
| 30 Sep 2022 | 187 |
| 31 Dec 2022 | 191 |
| 31 Mar 2023 | 221 |
| 30 Jun 2023 | 296 |
| 30 Sep 2023 | 197 |
| 31 Dec 2023 | 185 |
| 31 Mar 2024 | 163 |
Figure 1: Number of accepted autism referrals for adults in Northern Ireland from 30 June 2017 to 31 March 2024
Download data:
Please note, since 31 March 2021 the Northern HSC Trust has been unable to provide figures in regards to the number of adult autism referrals; therefore, the Northern Ireland figures since then relate to the Belfast, South Eastern, Southern, and Western HSC Trust’s only.
Table 2: Number of accepted autism referrals for adults by HSC Trust for years ending 31 March 2019 to 31 March 2024
Note: From March 2021, the Northern HSC Trust have been unable to provide data due to ongoing unavailability of information arising from system migration issues.
| HSC Trust | Year ending 31 March 2020 | Year ending 31 March 2021 | Year ending 31 March 2022 | Year ending 31 March 2023 | Year ending 31 March 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | 130 | 79 | 90 | 136 | 213 |
| Northern | 275 | 198 | NA | NA | NA |
| South Eastern | 142 | 95 | 195 | 329 | 277 |
| Southern | 57 | 46 | 102 | 151 | 156 |
| Western | 128 | 71 | 115 | 159 | 195 |
| Northern Ireland | 732 | 489 | 502 | 775 | 841 |
2. Adults Autism Diagnoses
During quarter ending 31 March 2024, there were 40 diagnoses of autism in adults across Northern Ireland, an increase of -25% since 31 March 2023 (Figure 2). Table 3 sets out the number of autism diagnoses for adults in Northern Ireland from 31 March 2022 to 31 March 2024. Table 4 sets out the annual number of autism diagnoses for adults from year ending 31 March 2019 to year ending 31 March 2024. Please note that since 31 March 2021 the Northern HSC Trust has been unable to provide figures in regards to the number of adult autism diagnosis; therefore, the Northern Ireland figures since then relate to the Belfast, South Eastern, Southern, and Western HSC Trust’s only.
Table 3: Number of new autism diagnosis for adults from 31 March 2022 to 31 March 2024
Note: From March 2021, the Northern HSC Trust have been unable to provide data due to ongoing unavailability of information arising from system migration issues.
| Quarter ending | Number of adults diagnosed with autism in NI |
|---|---|
| 31 Mar 2022 | 40 |
| 30 Jun 2022 | 40 |
| 30 Sep 2022 | 40 |
| 31 Dec 2022 | 45 |
| 31 Mar 2023 | 32 |
| 30 Jun 2023 | 21 |
| 30 Sep 2023 | 24 |
| 31 Dec 2023 | 28 |
| 31 Mar 2024 | 40 |
Figure 2: Number of new autism diagnosis for adults in Northern Ireland from 30 June 2017 to 31 March 2024
Download data:
Please note, since 31 March 2021 the Northern HSC Trust has been unable to provide figures in regards to the number of adult autism diagnoses; therefore, the Northern Ireland figures since then relate to the Belfast, South Eastern, Southern, and Western HSC Trust’s only.
Table 4: Number of new autism diagnosis for adults by HSC Trust for years ending 31 March 2019 to 31 March 2024
Note: From March 2021, the Northern HSC Trust have been unable to provide data due to ongoing unavailability of information arising from system migration issues.
[S] represents figures suppressed to avoid personal disclosure due to small numbers.
| HSC Trust | Year ending 31 March 2020 | Year ending 31 March 2021 | Year ending 31 March 2022 | Year ending 31 March 2023 | Year ending 31 March 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | 27 | [S] | 22 | 50 | 55 |
| Northern | 144 | 27 | [NA] | [NA] | [NA] |
| South Eastern | 35 | 29 | 71 | 93 | 43 |
| Southern | 10 | [S] | 0 | 6 | 5 |
| Western | 0 | [S] | 12 | 8 | 10 |
| Northern Ireland | 216 | 65 | 105 | 157 | 113 |
3. Download data
The data presented in the figures and tables within this publication can be downloaded in excel format by clicking the button below.
Download data:
Metadata
The attached tables present the number of accepted referrals for autism assessments and the number of diagnoses of autism in adults in Northern Ireland, and by Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust.
Source
Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG).
Validation
Validated aggregate autism information is submitted by each HSC Trust to the SPPG. The SPPG regionally validates the returns upon receipt. Previous quarters may be amended upon receipt of revised returns.
Limitations
There will be some different practices between the HSC Trusts which may cause differences in the figures presented.
User feedback
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