Childrens Quarterly Autism statistics
Childrens Quarterly Autism statistics
Published 02 May 2024
Theme: Childrens 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. Children’s Autism Referrals
During quarter ending 31 March 2024, there were 1,466 accepted children’s referrals for an autism assessment in Northern Ireland, an increase of 1.5% since 31 March 2023 (Figure 1). Table 1 sets out the number of accepted autism referrals for children from 31 March 2023 to 31 March 2024 by Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust. Table 2 sets out the rate of accepted autism referrals for children during year ending 31 March 2024. Due to missing data, South Eastern HSC Trust data has been rolled forward from October 2023 to March 2024.
Table 1: Number of accepted autism referrals for children from quarter ending 31 March 2023 to 31 March 2024
Note: Due to missing data, South Eastern HSC Trust data has been rolled forward from October 2023 to March 2024. Western HSC Trust December 2023 data was revised in February 2024.
| HSC Trust | 31 Mar 2023 | 30 Jun 2023 | 30 Sep 2023 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Mar 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | 300 | 301 | 332 | 285 | 338 |
| Northern | 358 | 386 | 456 | 427 | 389 |
| South Eastern | 202 | 246 | 489 | 252 | 252 |
| Southern | 344 | 310 | 312 | 276 | 270 |
| Western | 240 | 287 | 194 | 199 | 217 |
| Northern Ireland | 1,444 | 1,530 | 1,783 | 1,439 | 1,466 |
Figure 1: Number of accepted autism referrals for children in Northern Ireland from quarter ending 30 June 2014 to 31 March 2024
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Since 2014 there has been a general increase in the number of accepted autism referrals for children across Northern Ireland. The dip in referrals for quarters ending 30 June 2020 and 30 September 2020 are likely a result of the increased pressures on HSC Trust’s because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to missing data, South Eastern HSC Trust data has been rolled forward from October 2023 to March 2024.
Table 2: Rate of accepted autism referrals for children during year ending 31 March 2024
Note: Due to missing data, South Eastern HSC Trust data has been rolled forward from October 2023 to March 2024.
| HSC Trust | Number of accepted children’s autism referrals | NI Child Population | Rate per 10,000 children |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | 1,256 | 75,762 | 165.8 |
| Northern | 1,658 | 107,481 | 154.3 |
| South Eastern | 1,239 | 81,946 | 151.2 |
| Southern | 1,168 | 98,316 | 118.8 |
| Western | 897 | 71,569 | 125.3 |
| Northern Ireland | 6,218 | 435,074 | 142.9 |
2. Children’s Autism Diagnoses
During quarter ending 31 March 2024, there were 841 children’s autism diagnoses in Northern Ireland, a decrease of -2.3% since 31 March 2023 (Figure 2). Table 3 sets out the number of autism diagnoses for children from 31 March 2023 to 31 March 2024 by HSC Trust. Table 4 sets out the rate of autism diagnoses for children during year ending 31 March 2024. Due to missing data, South Eastern HSC Trust data has been rolled forward from October 2023 to March 2024.
Table 3: Number of new autism diagnosis for children from quarter ending 31 March 2023 to 31 March 2024
Note: Due to missing data, South Eastern HSC Trust data has been rolled forward from October 2023 to March 2024. Western HSC Trust December 2023 data was revised in February 2024.
| HSC Trust | 31 Mar 2023 | 30 Jun 2023 | 30 Sep 2023 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Mar 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | 115 | 119 | 129 | 138 | 130 |
| Northern | 261 | 264 | 250 | 257 | 215 |
| South Eastern | 125 | 144 | 92 | 165 | 165 |
| Southern | 213 | 310 | 280 | 196 | 212 |
| Western | 147 | 143 | 89 | 121 | 119 |
| Northern Ireland | 861 | 980 | 840 | 877 | 841 |
Figure 2: Number of new autism diagnoses for children in Northern Ireland from quarter ending 30 June 2014 to 31 March 2024
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Between 2014 and 2019 there was a general increase in the number of autism diagnoses in children across Northern Ireland. The quarters ending 30 June 2020 and 30 September 2020 saw a large decrease in the number of diagnoses of autism; however, this was likely a result of the added pressures on HSC Trust’s due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then the number of diagnoses of autism in children has again increased. Due to missing data, South Eastern HSC Trust data has been rolled forward from October 2023 to March 2024.
Table 4: Rate of new autism diagnosis for children during year ending 31 March 2024
Note: Due to missing data, South Eastern HSC Trust data has been rolled forward from October 2023 to March 2024.
| HSC Trust | Number of children diagnosed with autism | NI Child Population | Rate per 10,000 children |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | 516 | 75,762 | 68.1 |
| Northern | 986 | 107,481 | 91.7 |
| South Eastern | 566 | 81,946 | 69.1 |
| Southern | 998 | 98,316 | 101.5 |
| Western | 472 | 71,569 | 66.0 |
| Northern Ireland | 3,538 | 435,074 | 81.3 |
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 and the rate of accepted referrals for children’s autism assessments and number of children diagnosed with autism in each of the Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts in Northern Ireland.
Source
Autism figures: Monthly Children’s Autism Minimum Data Set submitted by HSC Trust to Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG). Population figures for rates: NISRA Census 2021 statistics.
Validation
Validated aggregate autism information is submitted by each HSC Trust to the SPPG. The SPPG regionally validates the returns upon receipt. Previous quarters’ published figures may be updated following revised returns.
Limitations
Figures relate to under 18s only; however, there may be instances where a person enters the system at under 18 but are over this age at the time of assessment. There will be some different practices between the HSC Trusts which may cause differences in the figures presented.
User feedback
We welcome your feedback. If you have any comments on this publication, please contact the Community Information Branch: cib@health-ni.gov.uk