Katherine Zappone launches Ireland’s first autism registry

Ireland’s first autism registry was launched last night by Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone.

About one in 100 people in Ireland suffers from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or neurodevelopmental disorders but, unlike elsewhere, Ireland has no way of collecting data on these conditions.

Trinity College Dublin, NUI Galway, and Autism Speaks are leading the initiative in response to a call for a registry from affected families.

A pilot phase will begin in Kildare/West Wicklow, where an estimated 600-plus children and adolescents with ASD live and it is hoped to extend it nationally later this year. n iarb.ie