Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
716. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the steps needed in relation to getting a child tested for autism; if he will state the waiting list for children with autism to be tested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7839/14]
View answer717. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the number of persons diagnosed with autism and Asperger's syndrome; if he will provide a breakdown by county; the treatment available through the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7840/14]
View answer718. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the budget available for the treatment of autism in children and young adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7841/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 716 to 718, inclusive, together.
Significant resources have been invested by this country in recent years in services for children with special needs, including those with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The Government is committed to the provision and development of services for these children, having regard to available resources.
The HSE National Review of Autism Services: Past, Present and Way Forward Report (2012) and the Progressing Disabilities Services for Children and Young People (0-18s) Programme set out the overall policy context for the provision of autism services to children and young people. The objective of the Progressing Disabilities Programme for Children and Young People is to achieve a national, unified approach to delivering disability health services for children with a disability including those with autism so that there is a clear pathway to the services for all children, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of their disability. This Programme aims to remedy the variations in service provision that currently exist around the country. In 2014, the HSE are taking a number of key steps in implementing the change programme, including rolling out a new model of assessment and intervention, in line with the Progressing Disabilities Programme for Children and Young People. An additional €4 million has been allocated, which equates to 80 additional therapy staff, for these purposes.
I have been advised by the HSE that it is not in a position to provide details regarding the amount of money that is currently being spent on autism services specifically. The manner in which funding is allocated by the HSE allows for a distinction between broad categories of funding such as services for older people, primary care and disabilities in general. Disability services are provided based on the needs of an individual rather than by the actual type of disability. Individuals with autism or Asperger’s syndrome may attend autism-specific services or may obtain services from a service provider who provides services for a wide range of intellectual disabilities including autism.
I also understand that the HSE does not currently collect data on children and adults identified with autism and Asperger’s syndrome specifically, either on a national, or on a county basis. At the same time it is important to note that, due to the complexity of their presentation, many individuals with autism may have a primary diagnosis of intellectual disability or a co-morbid mental health component.
The health sector’s National Intellectual Disability Database (NIDD), which was established in 1995, has been designed to provide a comprehensive and accurate information base for decision-making in relation to the planning, funding and management of services for people with an intellectual disability including individuals with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. While the database presents information on the needs of people with intellectual disabilities, information pertaining to diagnosis is specifically excluded, as the database is not designed as a medical epidemiological tool. There is currently no epidemiological data regarding the prevalence in Ireland of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
However, I am advised that some estimates are available through the national census data. For example, the 2006 national census collected data on disability and a follow-up study, the National Disability Survey (NDS), was carried out on 16,000 people. Approximately 22% of respondents to the NDS reported difficulties with intellect and learning. Five percent of this group attributed their difficulties to an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. 38% of the total group was aged 0-17 years and a further 25% were 18-35 years old. Thus the prevalence of ASD within this cohort could be estimated to be in the order of 1.1%.
My Department has asked the HSE to provide the Deputy with the detailed operational information requested in relation to assessment for autism.
