Social services support and expenditure for children with autism

This article provides information about children with autism who are supported by English social services departments based on the Children in Need Survey 2001 (CIN2001). In 119 authorities, 6310 children were recorded as having a diagnosis of autism or related conditions, probably about one-quarter of all children with such diagnoses and about half of those actually supported. Demographically, this group appears similar to children with autism generally: there are more boys than girls, and learning, communication and behaviour difficulties are common. CIN2001 shows that mean social services support costs tend to be quite high, particularly compared with other disabled children. There are very considerable variations between social services departments in reported numbers and spending. It is unlikely that this variation can be attributed to the prevalence of autism, and more likely that it reflects the case recognition and service provision policies of local agencies.