Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSAutism present in 1% of children
Around 1% of children in the UK aged 5-9 years old have an existing diagnosis on the autistic spectrum, according to epidemiological research carried out by the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University.
Lead author Professor Simon Baron-Cohen said: ‘This is about 12 times higher than 30 years ago.’
The researchers used three different methods to estimate the prevalence of autism-spectrum conditions, including previously undiagnosed cases, in Cambridgeshire.
First, the team carried out a survey of cases of autism and Asperger syndrome using the Special Educational Needs (SEN) registers in schools. The register used for this research covered 8,824 children attending 79 schools. A total of 83 cases of autism-spectrum conditions were reported, giving a prevalence of 94 in 10,000, or 1 in 106 children.
Second, the team sent a diagnosis survey to the parents of 11,700 children in the Cambridgeshire region. From the 3,373 completed surveys, 41 cases of autism-spectrum conditions were reported.
Finally, the team sent the Childhood Autism Screening Test (CAST) to parents of the same 11,700 children to help identify any undiagnosed cases of autism-spectrum conditions.
Professor Baron-Cohen added: ‘It is important to conduct epidemiological studies of autism spectrum conditions so that the relevant services, including education, health and social services, can plan adequate provision for all those children and adults who may need support.’
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