BBC News NI recently reported a large increase in children receiving a diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). In total 2,345 children under 18 were diagnosed as ASD last year, compared with 1,047 five years previously.

Dr Alan Stout, the chair of the Northern Ireland GP Committee of the British Medical Association, confirmed that figures have "skyrocketed" due to "increased awareness" and changes to the criteria under the 2011 legislation. Kerry Boyd, the head of Autism NI, added that her organisation is "inundated" with requests for support due mainly to the introduction of the Autism Act (NI) 2011 and the subsequent increase in awareness both among the general public and health and education professionals.

The BBC also quoted a current