Autism
Autism can affect the way a person thinks, communicates, interacts, and experiences the world around them. Autism is referred to as a spectrum, and it affects different people in different ways.
Common Characteristics that Autistic People May Share
Differences in Communication Style
Some Autistic people might communicate verbally, some may use non-verbal methods of communication such as pictures/images or technology, and others may use their hands or body to help them communicate or express emotions.
Difficulty with Social Interactions
Some people with Autism may appear to have difficulty with reciprocal conversation or find it difficult to express or understand emotion. This can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and may lead to difficulties maintaining relationships.
Sensory Processing Differences
Some Autistic people can have sensitivities which mean that they may not see, hear, or feel things in the same way as others. An overload of sensory input may lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed and may cause anxiety in some people with Autism.
Repetitive Behaviour & Special Interests
Some people with Autism need and find comfort in routine. If things change unexpectedly, it can be upsetting. Some people with Autism can have interests or hobbies that can appear unusual to others and may want to know everything about a particular topic.
A Broad Spectrum
It is important to note that not all of the above points will apply to every person on the spectrum. Every person has their own set of strengths and challenges.
While some Autistic people require none or very little support in their daily lives, there are those who require significant support. There are some who have co-occurring diagnoses, disabilities, or other significant care requirements. There are people with Autism who may not be able to enter the working world, may be non-verbal, may be unable to advocate for themselves, and/or may require full time residential services.
Every Autistic person is unique, should be respected, and should receive a level of support appropriate to their individual needs – in all aspects of life.
Prevalence
- In relation to up-to-date prevalence rates in Ireland, there is little data available. However, in 2016 a policy advice report by the National Council for Special Education on Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Schools, noted that 1 in 65, or 1.5%, of the school going population in Ireland had a diagnosis of Autism.
- A review by the Department of Health published in November 2018, entitled ‘Estimating Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in the Irish Population: A review of data sources and epidemiological studies’ also notes: “The most recent data on the prevalence of ASD in Ireland is reported in a study carried out by Boilson and colleagues in Dublin City University (2016). Their analysis reported a prevalence rate of 1% and when further analysis was conducted (to weight for a low response rate) a figure of 1.5% resulted… similar to the Department of Education figure of 1.5% which is based on the numbers of children with a diagnosis of ASD who are availing of additional teaching supports in schools”.
- In 2022, according to the NCSE Policy Advice Paper on Special Schools and Classes “An Inclusive Education for an Inclusive Society”, the NCSE examined their own data, which validated research reporting a prevalence rate of autism of 3.38% in Ireland. This is a significant change to the previous reported rate of 1.55% in 2018. For more information, see the policy advice paper at - https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Inclusive-Education-for-an-Inclusive-Society.pdf
- In addition to the above figure, there are those who choose to self-identify as being Autistic without going through a formal assessment process. The number of those who self-identify as being Autistic may not be included or reflected in official prevalence figures.
