1 in 20 school children with autism in the Republic of Ireland: same as in Northern Ireland (for now)

"Percentage of children diagnosed with autism rises threefold in less than a decade." https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2025/03/11/one-in-20-irish-schoolchildren-diagnosed-with-autism-a-threefold-rise/

"About one in 20 schoolchildren are being diagnosed with autism, a threefold increase in less than a decade, Department of Education figures show."

And: "Official records show the department has moved from using an estimated autism prevalence rate of 1.5-1.6 per cent among schoolchildren several years ago to 5 per cent."

The Republic of Ireland is now matching Northern Ireland in the (estimated) school-aged childhood autism rate, now at 1 in 20 children in both countries. The caveat being that Northern Ireland is due to report soon on their latest autism in childhood statistics (the 1 in 20 stat is from two years ago).

If it was any other diagnosis where in less than 10 years the rate increased 3-fold, there would be a scramble to find out 'why?' But for various reasons there hasn't been that urgency when it comes to autism. That is, until it hits home with the realisation that there aren't enough specialised school places, or when healthcare for children who often have quite complex needs isn't available or as widespread as it should be, or when social care is basically next to zero and also when governments start asking people to pay more in their taxes to cover financial and resource shortfalls. Then people take note. 

Such increases in autism rates are visible worldwide. Arguments like 'it's all better awareness' are exposed for what they are: bluff. And who suffers most? The children who can't access the education, healthcare and social care they need. And their families who also feel the strain.

And believe it or not, someone actually said to the media that the threefold increase in autism is actually a 'good thing': "A threefold increase in the number of children being diagnosed with autism is a “good thing”, an expert in the condition has said." I wonder if they would say the same when knowing about the dreadful statistics around the deadly triad that is autism, wandering/elopement and drowning? Because I wouldn't.