Publication of ‘The Prevalence of Autism (including Aspergers Syndrome) in School Age Children in Northern Ireland. Annual report 2025’
Date published:
The Department of Health has today published ‘The Prevalence of Autism (including Aspergers Syndrome) in School age Children in Northern Ireland. Annual report 2025’.
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 5.9% in 2024/25.
There was a marked difference in the prevalence rates of autism between the sexes, with males 2.5 times more likely to be identified with autism than females.
The Northern Ireland urban population has a statistically significant higher prevalence rate of autism than the rural population.
Using the NI Multiple Deprivation Measure (MDM) ranking, in 2024/25 the rate of autism in the most deprived MDM decile was 38% higher than the Northern Ireland average.
In 2024/25, 18% of children diagnosed with autism did not have any special educational needs, and 63% were classified at Stage 3 of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Assessment, indicating they had a Statement of SEN.
Notes to editors:
- This information was collated by Community Information Branch within the Department of Health.
- A statistical release of The Prevalence of Autism (including Aspergers Syndrome) in School Age Children in Northern Ireland is published on a yearly basis.
- 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.
- Similar statistics relating to the year 2025/26 are due for release in May 2026.
- This publication is available online at: Autism Statistics link.
- 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 - For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
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