Childrens Quarterly Autism statistics
Theme: Childrens Quarterly Autism statistics for Northern Ireland
Purpose: For information
Authors (statisticians): Heidi Rodgers, Jessica McCluney, Malcolm Megaw
Publication date:1 February 2023
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 2022, there were 1,422 accepted children’s referrals for an autism assessment in Northern Ireland, an increase of 4.6% since 31 December 2021 (Figure 1). Table 1 sets out the number of accepted autism referrals for children from 31 December 2021 to 31 December 2022 by Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust. Table 2 sets out the rate of accepted autism referrals for children during year ending 31 March 2022.
HSC Trust | 31 Dec 2021 | 31 Mar 2022 | 30 Jun 2022 | 30 Sep 2022 | 31 Dec 2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Belfast | 266 | 282 | 294 | 299 | 233 |
Northern | 550 | 516 | 578 | 418 | 440 |
South Eastern | 178 | 162 | 231 | 163 | 248 |
Southern | 195 | 243 | 267 | 233 | 274 |
Western | 171 | 211 | 244 | 194 | 227 |
Northern Ireland | 1,360 | 1,414 | 1,614 | 1,307 | 1,422 |
Since 2014 there has been a general increase in the number of accepted autism referrals for children across Northern Ireland, with a peak of 1,614 referrals at quarter ending 30 June 2022. 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.
HSC Trust | Number of accepted children’s autism referrals | NI Child Population | Rate per 10,000 children |
---|---|---|---|
Belfast | 1,018 | 77,506 | 131.3 |
Northern | 1,991 | 109,282 | 182.2 |
South Eastern | 634 | 81,712 | 77.6 |
Southern | 821 | 99,466 | 82.5 |
Western | 748 | 73,142 | 102.3 |
Northern Ireland | 5,212 | 441,108 | 118.2 |
During quarter ending 31 December 2022, there were 632 children’s autism diagnoses in Northern Ireland, a decrease of 7.3% since 31 December 2021 (Figure 2). Table 3 sets out the number of autism diagnoses for children from 31 December 2021 to 31 December 2022 by HSC Trust. Table 4 sets out the rate of autism diagnoses for children during year ending 31 March 2022.
HSC Trust | 31 Dec 2021 | 31 Mar 2022 | 30 Jun 2022 | 30 Sep 2022 | 31 Dec 2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Belfast | 83 | 90 | 111 | 74 | 69 |
Northern | 225 | 193 | 242 | 210 | 208 |
South Eastern | 129 | 111 | 80 | 81 | 88 |
Southern | 131 | 114 | 102 | 89 | 139 |
Western | 114 | 143 | 131 | 113 | 128 |
Northern Ireland | 682 | 651 | 666 | 567 | 632 |
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 30 June 2021, the number of diagnoses of autism in children has remained relatively consistent.
HSC Trust | Number of children diagnosed with autism | NI Child Population | Rate per 10,000 children |
---|---|---|---|
Belfast | 334 | 77,506 | 43.1 |
Northern | 767 | 109,282 | 70.2 |
South Eastern | 457 | 81,712 | 55.9 |
Southern | 551 | 99,466 | 55.4 |
Western | 454 | 73,142 | 62.1 |
Northern Ireland | 2,563 | 441,108 | 58.1 |
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 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.
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.
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.
We welcome your feedback. If you have any comments on this publication, please contact the Community Information Branch: cib@health-ni.gov.uk