Rates of autism spectrum disorder diagnoses for children and adolescents in the Hutt Valley Region of New Zealand between 2012 and 2016

Abstract

BackgroundThe rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses has been increasing internationally. To date New Zealand has no published data on rates of ASD diagnoses. MethodsWe collected data for 2012–2016 ASD referrals to the Hutt Valley District Health Board in New Zealand. Participants included 0−19 year olds with a new ASD diagnosis made between 2012 and 2016, domiciled in the Hutt Valley at the time of diagnosis. Information was gathered on age, sex, ethnicity, comorbidities and language level at the time of diagnosis. Results228 participants were included in the study. In total across 0−19 year olds, results indicated a rate of 1.48 ASD diagnoses per 1000 people. A ratio of 4:1 males to females were diagnosed. Over half of individuals identified as NZ European (55.2 %) followed by Māori (23.6 %). ConclusionsThe rate of new ASD diagnoses in the Hutt Valley area is similar to international rates. The data must be interpreted with caution because there was no systematic way of ensuring all children diagnosed with ASD were included. The rate of diagnosis for Māori is higher than the population living in the Hutt Valley. This information could be useful for planning services and supports for ASD.