Where should I go if I have concerns?

Initially parents can contact their Public Health Nurse (PHN) at the local medical centre. It is standard practice in Ireland for young children to have developmental checks with their PHN at regular intervals up to age 4. Often the first signs of developmental delay will be flagged at these development checks. A developmental milestone chart, from age 2 month to 5 years, is available here. 

Should you continue to have concerns, or are unhappy with the outcome of the developmental check, you can refer your child to the Assessment of Need process, a professional referral is not required to access this service.

Further information can be found in the dedicated tabs on the left (top for some mobile users). Please select a tab to view the information.

Public or Private Assessment?

The only recognised tool for diagnosing Autism in Ireland is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).

If you are considering a private assessment ensure that this diagnostic tool will be used or it is possible that any resulting diagnosis will not be recognised.

The Assessment of Need (AoN) is free via the public health system.

Private assessments range in price but will have shorter waiting times for assessment.

How many people in Ireland have Autism?

Prevalence Study Autism Counts – Irish Autism Action funded a study that determined the number of people in Ireland who are on the Autism spectrum.

By providing a concrete figure for incidence of Autism the Irish Autism Prevalence Study will make a compelling case for the State to invest in resources for autistic people.

This study was carried out in conjunction with DCU and lead by Professor Anthony Staines.

The study concluded that the current rate of Autism in Ireland is 1 in 100.

This figure is similar to the figure of incidence in the United Kingdom where the latest prevalence studies of autism indicate that 1.1% of the population in the UK may have autism.

What causes Autism?

Research into autism and genetics has shown autism is genetically pre-determined, however research is on-going to determine to what degree environmental ‘triggers’ may be involved in the increase in incidence. 

What we do know is that the number of young children entering the system in Ireland each year is significantly greater than in the past and that the demand for services to meet the needs of this special population will continue to grow.

Is there a cure for Autism?

Autism is a life-long condition and there are no ‘cures’.  However, there are many interventions which can help individuals with autism develop essential skills. 

Therapies such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and education-based interventions have helped many people with autism develop their potential.  For some, these interventions will ultimately enable adults with autism to advance to 3^rd level education or have jobs and live independent lives. 

Others on the spectrum will always need to have full time assistance, but with support and quality interventions can live a full and happy life.

While there is still much we do not know about autism, we do know that the best outcomes are achieved when autism is diagnosed early and these interventions are provided as soon as possible.

Which therapy is most effective?

Each child with autism is an individual with their own strengths and challenges therefore different interventions will suit different children. There is no ‘one size fits all’ with Autism.

There are several different interventions explained in the Early Intervention & Therapy section of this website.

When exploring a therapy for a child it is important to research thoroughly and ascertain that it is proven and effective for children with autism. See our Evaluating Claims information sheet for guidance. 

Where can I get training and learn more about Autism?

Early Intervention Services offer parent training such as Earlybird, Marte Meo, Parent Plus Early Years Programme and Hanen programmes. The training offered differs from county to county, depending on which Early Intervention Service a family is allocated to.

Information on parent training by Early Intervention Teams will be provided to parents when their child is accepted into the service.

Middletown Centre for Autism offers a diverse range of workshops on various aspects of Autism. These take place around the country and are generally free of charge.

Local support groups may run training workshops.