Although there are currently no research findings on the incidence of Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Ireland, few will argue that its’ prevalence is rising and its’ impact on children and their families can be devastating. Research commissioned in other countries suggest that approximately 1% of children develop an Autistic Spectrum Disorder and when research on incidence in Ireland is finally published (currently being conducted by Dublin City University), it is unlikely to reveal a better picture of autism in this country.
Up until now, Autism in Ireland has been viewed from an etiological perspective and this perspective has informed the way we treat and educate young people with Autism, i.e. autism has a particular cause and once you are autistic, we should support and educate the individual with techniques and strategies that will compensate for their autism. These techniques and strategies have been successful in teaching skills, language and appropriate behaviour but have failed in many ways to give the child an understanding of behaviour and communication and the necessary skills to develop to their full potential and enjoy a decent quality of life.
There is little research available on the predictive outcome for children as they move into adulthood, but what research is available paints a very negative picture. Many parents live in fear about what lies in store for their children as they get older and the following research does not ease their fears.
Three separate studies measured quality of life for adults with autism by studying how they performed in three separate areas of their life: their career (if they had a paid job), Independence (if they lived independently) and Peer Contact (whether they had regular contact with peers, not friendships or intimate relationships).
Autistic adults with a career
Autistic adults living independently
Autistic adults with peer contact
National Autistic Society UK (2001)
6%
3%
17%
Dr Patricia Howlin UK (2004)
6%
4%
19%
Selzer & Kraus – USA (2002)
10%
4%
14%
Adults with autism are not only underachieving, but the incidence of mental health problems in the adult population of people on the Autism Spectrum is extremely high.
Howlin UK 2002 – found that 71% of adolescents with Autistic Spectrum Disorders were found to have mood or anxiety disorders.
Farelly in a small study in Ireland found that 92% of her study of 14 adults were found to have mood or anxiety disorders and 10 out of the 14 were found to have suicidal tendencies.
The response that ReConnect has received to date – predominantly through word of mouth in the autism community around Ireland - has highlighted parents’ search for a new treatment that works and can deliver true quality of life improvements to children and families dealing with Autism.
Although there are currently no research findings on the incidence of Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Ireland, few will argue that its’ prevalence is rising and its’ impact on children and their families can be devastating. Research commissioned in other countries suggest that approximately 1% of children develop an Autistic Spectrum Disorder and when research on incidence in Ireland is finally published (currently being conducted by Dublin City University), it is unlikely to reveal a better picture of autism in this country.