Kathleen Lynch
Question:380 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of autistic children detained in psychiatric hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5320/03]
Written Answers - Autism Services.
The number of adults with an intellectual disability or autism accommodated in psychiatric hospitals in October 2002 was 452, down from 490 in April 2002. The figure in 1996 was 970.
The information in relation to the number of autistic children accommodated in psychiatric hospitals is not readily available in my Department. However, my Department has asked the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority for this information and will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.