Publication of ‘The Prevalence of Autism (including Asperger's Syndrome) in School Age Children in Northern Ireland. Annual report 2022'

The Department of Health has today published ‘The Prevalence of Autism (including Asperger's Syndrome) in School age Children in Northern Ireland.

These figures have been extracted from the Northern Ireland School Census provided by the Department of Education.

Key Facts and Figures:

• The estimated prevalence of autism within the school aged population in Northern Ireland was 4.7% in 2021/22.

• There was a large difference in the prevalence rates of autism between the genders, with males almost three times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than females.

• The Northern Ireland urban population had a statistically significant higher prevalence rate of autism than the rural population.

• Using the NI Multiple Deprivation Measure (MDM) ranking, in 2021/22 the rate of autism in the most deprived MDM decile was 36% higher than the Northern Ireland average.

• In 2021/22, 17% of children diagnosed with autism did not have any special educational needs, and 58% were classified at Stage 3 of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Assessment, indicating they had a Statement of SEN.

Notes to editors: 

1. This information was collated by Community Information Branch within the Department of Health.

2. Statistics detailed within the publication were sourced from the Department of Education and is taken from information collated for the annual School Census. It includes the number of school aged children diagnosed with Autism (including Aspergers) by HSC Trust area, Urban/Rural area, area deprivation (Multiple Deprivation Measure), gender, school year and special educational needs assessment

3. This publication is available online at: Autism Statistics link 
    

4. Further information is available from:
   
   Community Information Branch 
   Department of Health
   Room 11, Annexe 2,
   Castle Buildings
   Stormont Belfast BT4 3SP
   E-mail: cib@health-ni.gov.uk     
   Internet: Department of Health
    
5. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
    
6. Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt.
    
7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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