Autism Diagnosis Rates in Northern Ireland Schools
According to new figures released by the Department of Health (DoH), one in 16 schoolchildren in Northern Ireland has been diagnosed with autism.
For parents such as Dorothy Murray, these statistics reflect increased awareness of autism, though she highlighted ongoing challenges in accessing support.
Northern Ireland's independent autism reviewer, Ema Cubitt, emphasized the importance of interpreting the data carefully.
"Particularly in the context of prolonged diagnostic waiting lists, delayed SEN placements which may not be resolved until after the school census date, and the barriers some children experience in establishing and maintaining regular school attendance," Cubitt said.
The data indicates boys are more than twice as likely to have an autism diagnosis compared to girls.
The department reported that in 2025/26, 18,472 school-age children up to 16 years old had an autism diagnosis, representing an increase of over 3,000 children compared to three years prior.
"Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people and how they experience the world around them," the DoH stated.
It is described as a "spectrum disorder" because it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.
At 6.2%, the proportion of autistic schoolchildren in 2025/26 is more than 300% higher than 15 years ago.
The department noted that while the number of diagnoses has risen, the higher prevalence rate is also partly due to a decline in the total number of schoolchildren.
They also cautioned against direct year-to-year comparisons because of changes in data collection methods since 2019.
'It's a Whole World of Difference'
Dorothy Murray shared her experience with her daughter Sienna, now six years old, noting that during the Covid-19 lockdown, Sienna "wasn't hitting the milestones."
"We weren't sure what was happening," she said.
Due to pandemic restrictions, the family had to wait until Sienna's two-and-a-half-year review before her needs could be assessed.
"When they came out, they could see quite clearly that Sienna was struggling and needed support," Dorothy said.
Sienna was referred to a child development clinic and placed on a priority waiting list because, according to her mother, she had been "missed and overlooked" during the Covid-19 period.
The diagnostic process included assessments by paediatricians, speech and language therapists, and play therapists, along with reports from nursery staff and other healthcare professionals.
"It wasn't just one appointment and then a diagnosis, but another six months after the assessment before we officially got the diagnosis on paper."
By the time Sienna was formally diagnosed, she was nearly four years old.
Dorothy explained that Sienna initially attended a mainstream nursery due to the lack of specialist placements, despite being non-verbal and having significant additional needs.
"She was on a reduced timetable for most of the year and I had to go in to change her nappy because they weren't able to do that," she said.
The family spent two years advocating for a specialist school placement, describing the process as "very stressful."
Sienna secured a placement in August and is now in her second year at a special school, where Dorothy said she is "absolutely thriving."
"It's a whole world of difference."
Dorothy expressed that she was "not surprised" by the increasing figures, stating they reflect societal progress and more extensive research.
Autistic People Are Part of Every Generation
Independent autism reviewer Ema Cubitt has previously expressed concerns about the experiences of some autistic children in schools.
"Autistic people have always been part of every generation and every community across our society," she said.
"What this school-age prevalence publication reflects is improving visibility, recognition and understanding within education systems that were not historically designed to identify, include or respond consistently to autistic pupils."
Cubitt noted that the DoH statistics are based on the annual school census and linked data, which may not capture all autistic children.
"Reliable public planning depends not only on collecting data, but on understanding which children may remain least visible within the systems generating that data," Cubitt said.
Autism Prevalence by Gender and Age
While not all autistic children have a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN), concerns have been raised regarding planned reforms to SEN support.
Additional worries exist about the support available for autistic young people and others with SEN after leaving school.
In Northern Ireland, a statement of SEN ends when a child leaves school; however, in England, a care plan continues until the young person reaches 25 years old.
The DoH annually reports on autism prevalence, including Asperger syndrome, among schoolchildren in Northern Ireland.
The figures indicate a rise in both the number and proportion of schoolchildren diagnosed with autism, with 8.6% of boys diagnosed compared to 3.7% of girls.
The DoH described the increase as a "steady rise," with the highest rates among 12- and 13-year-olds.
In this age group, corresponding to year nine of post-primary school, more than one in 12 children has an autism diagnosis.
Children residing in urban areas such as Belfast are more likely to be diagnosed than those in rural locations.
Furthermore, children living in relatively disadvantaged areas have a higher likelihood of being autistic compared to those in more affluent areas, according to the department.
