Publication of ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder Statistics for Northern Ireland (April – June 2015)’

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has today published ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder Statistics for Northern Ireland (April – June 2015)’.

These tables include the number and the rate of children referred for an assessment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the number of children diagnosed with ASD and the number of children who had completed an assessment for ASD each quarter from April 2014 to June 2015. It is intended that this information will be updated on the department’s website each quarter as the information becomes available.

Key Facts and Figures:

• During quarter ending 30 June 2015, 682 children had been referred for an assessment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this was an increase of 18% on the previous quarter (577) but a decrease of 7% on the number of referrals received during the same quarter in 2014 (736)
• Some 31% of referrals received during quarter ending 30 June 2015 originated in the Northern health and social care (HSC) trust, 21% in the Belfast HSC trust, 18% in the South Eastern HSC trust, 18% in the Western HSC trust and 13% in the Southern HSC trust
• During quarter ending 30 June 2015, 407 assessments for ASD were completed in Northern Ireland. This was similar to the previous quarter and 2% less than the same time last year
• The largest proportion of completed assessments were in the Northern HSC trust (29%) during the quarter ending 30 June 2015, 26% in the South Eastern HSC trust, 24% in the Belfast HSC trust, 12% in the Western HSC trust and 10% in the Southern HSC trust
• Some 289 children were diagnosed with ASD during quarter ending 30 June 2015; this was an increase of 6% on the previous quarter (272). This was similar to the same period last year when 286 children were diagnosed with ASD
• Almost a third (30%) of those children diagnosed with ASD during quarter ending 30 June 2015 were located in the Belfast HSC trust. Some 29% were in the Northern HSC trust, 24% were in the South Eastern HSC trust, 10% in the Western HSC trust and 7% in the Southern HSC trust

Notes to editors: 

1. This information was collated by Community Information Branch within the DHSSPS.
2. Statistics detailed within the tables were sourced from the Health and Social Care Board and include the number and the rate of children referred for an assessment for ASD each quarter, the number of children diagnosed with ASD each quarter and the number of children who had completed an assessment for ASD each quarter. Analyses are presented regionally and by HSC trusts.
3. These tables and all future updates will be available online 
4. Further information is available from Community Information Branch
5. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520074, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned. Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt

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