James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 320: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there are no statistics available on the number of children effected by autism here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3230/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 338: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the research which has been undertaken in regard to the high incidence of autism here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3261/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 320 and 338 together.

There has been an increase in recent years in the numbers of children being diagnosed with autism in Ireland. Similar increases have also been experienced in other European countries and in the USA. The diagnosis of autism is a clinical one, that is, it is based on a variety of observations rather than any defined laboratory investigation. Hence the evolving concept of an "autistic spectrum" which stretches from those severely affected to those with only mild disability.

There is increasing recognition of autism in Ireland and other countries. What is not clear, however, is whether the increase is due to a greater awareness leading to better ascertainment or whether there is actually a true increase in the prevalence of autism. It is, however, recognised that the epidemiology of ASD is undergoing rapid change due in whole or part to better ascertainment and re-clarification. For general purposes, a figure of 0.3% to 0.6% has been suggested for the overall prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders, ASD. This figure includes high functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome.

There are currently no national statistics available in Ireland. The health services have, at regional level, in recent years been expanding the level of information available to them on the numbers and needs of persons with autism in their regions. While some persons with autism, who also have an intellectual disability, are included on the national intellectual disability database, it does not contain information on this group as a whole. In addition, while the database provides information relating to the level of services being provided and current and future needs, it does not identify persons with specific disabilities such as Down's syndrome or autism. Its principal role is as a planning and monitoring instrument.

The Department of Health and Children and the Heath Service Executive, together with the Health Research Board, which manages the national disability databases on behalf of the Department, have been investigating the possibility of establishing an information system which would give a level of information on the numbers and needs of persons with autism, similar to that already available from the national intellectual disability database. This issue is now being examined in the context of the overall information requirements set out in section 13 of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005.