Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2012

Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Ceisteanna (276)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

276 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which intensive research, or any research, continues to be conducted here with a view to determination of the cause or causes of autism, Asperger’s syndrome or similar conditions; the extent to which comparisons have been made with other European countries in respect of determination of the origins of these conditions, whether genetic or otherwise; the degree to which the number of cases reported in this country compares with the average in other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8714/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

The Department of Health does not collect information on children identified with autism and Asperger's on a national or international basis. Information pertaining to diagnosis is specifically excluded from the National Intellectual Disability Database as the database is not designed as a medical epidemiological tool. Accordingly the database does not record the incidence of autism or any other disability.

In 2004 the Department of Health provided funding through the Health Research Board (HRB) on autism research to help improve international understanding of the genetic causes of autism. I will arrange to ask the HRB for information on how this research has progressed and will arrange for the Deputy to be contacted on the matter.