Adults Quarterly Autism statistics
Theme: Adults Quarterly Autism statistics for Northern Ireland
Purpose: For information
Authors (statisticians): Heidi Rodgers, Deborah Kinghan
Publication date: 31 January 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
During quarter ending 31 December 2023, there were 185 accepted autism referrals for adults in Northern Ireland, a decrease of 3.1% since 31 December 2022 (Figure 1). Table 1 sets out the number of accepted autism referrals for adults in Northern Ireland from 31 December 2021 to 31 December 2023. Table 2 sets out the annual number of accepted autism referrals for adults from year ending 31 March 2019 to year ending 31 March 2023. 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.
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 Dec 2021 | 147 |
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 |
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.
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 2019 | Year ending 31 March 2020 | Year ending 31 March 2021 | Year ending 31 March 2022 | Year ending 31 March 2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Belfast | 117 | 130 | 79 | 90 | 136 |
Northern | 298 | 275 | 198 | NA | NA |
South Eastern | 122 | 142 | 95 | 195 | 329 |
Southern | 59 | 57 | 46 | 102 | 151 |
Western | 76 | 128 | 71 | 115 | 159 |
Northern Ireland | 672 | 732 | 489 | 502 | 775 |
During quarter ending 31 December 2023, there were 22 diagnoses of autism in adults across Northern Ireland, a decrease of 51.1% since 31 December 2022 (Figure 2). Table 3 sets out the number of autism diagnoses for adults in Northern Ireland from 31 December 2021 to 31 December 2023. Table 4 sets out the annual number of autism diagnoses for adults from year ending 31 March 2019 to year ending 31 March 2023. 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.
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 Dec 2021 | 19 |
31 Mar 2022 | 40 |
30 Jun 2022 | 40 |
30 Sep 2022 | 40 |
31 Dec 2022 | 45 |
31 Mar 2023 | 32 |
30 Jun 2023 | 20 |
30 Sep 2023 | 22 |
31 Dec 2023 | 22 |
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.
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 2019 | Year ending 31 March 2020 | Year ending 31 March 2021 | Year ending 31 March 2022 | Year ending 31 March 2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Belfast | 23 | 27 | [S] | 22 | 50 |
Northern | 109 | 144 | 27 | [NA] | [NA] |
South Eastern | 36 | 35 | 29 | 71 | 93 |
Southern | 11 | 10 | [S] | 0 | 6 |
Western | 0 | 0 | [S] | 12 | 8 |
Northern Ireland | 179 | 216 | 65 | 105 | 157 |
The data presented in the figures and tables within this publication can be downloaded in excel format by clicking the button below.
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.
Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG).
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.
There will be some different practices between the HSC Trusts which may cause differences in the figures presented.
We welcome your feedback. If you have any comments on this publication, please contact the Community Information Branch: cib@health-ni.gov.uk