One in 16 schoolchildren diagnosed with autism 'not surprising', says mum
New figures indicate that one in 16 schoolchildren in Northern Ireland has been diagnosed with autism. Parents express that while awareness is increasing, accessing support remains challenging. The statistics highlight a significant rise in diagnoses over the past 15 years, particularly among boys.
- ▪The Department of Health reports that 18,472 school-age children in Northern Ireland have a diagnosis of autism for the 2025/26 school year.
- ▪The proportion of autistic schoolchildren has increased by over 300% compared to 15 years ago.
- ▪Parents like Dorothy Murray emphasize the difficulties in accessing timely support and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on diagnosis.
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One in 16 schoolchildren diagnosed with autism 'not surprising', says mumJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAbigail Taylor,BBC News NIandRobbie Meredith,Education and arts correspondent, BBC News NIDorothy MurrayFor parents like Dorothy Murray, the figures reflect a growing awareness of autism but she said there are still difficulties accessing supportOne in 16 schoolchildren in Northern Ireland has a diagnosis of autism, according to new figures published by the Department of Health (DoH).For parents like Dorothy Murray, the figures reflect a growing awareness of autism but she said there are still difficulties accessing support.Northern Ireland's independent autism reviewer, Ema Cubitt, said the statistics were important but should be "interpreted carefully"."Particularly in the…
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