But in New Zealand, there is no systematic population-level information on autism prevalence.
Dunedin School of Medicine women's and children's health senior research fellow Dr Nick Bowden has received a $124,442 Cure Kids project grant to address that information gap, by looking at trends in autism prevalence
and health service use in New Zealand.
"Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that influences the way a person communicates, interacts with others and perceives and experiences the world around them," Dr Bowden said.
"International prevalence estimates suggest that one in 36 children are autistic.
"Using data collected on everyone in the Aotearoa New Zealand population, the project aims to analyse trends in autism prevalence rates in Aotearoa over a 10-year period and explore healthcare service use among autistic
youth aged 0-24 years."
Previous research from his team had identified ethnic disparities with Māori and Pacific populations, because they were significantly less likely to obtain an autism diagnosis compared with non-Māori and non-Pacific, Dr Bowden said.
"This new study hopes to show that these ethnic gaps in autism prevalence are closing.
"In addition, international evidence shows that gender diverse populations have higher autism prevalence rates.
"However, this has not been explored in Aotearoa.
"This project will also provide much needed autism prevalence information for gender diverse populations."
Autistic youth exhibited significantly greater mental and physical healthcare needs than their non-autistic peers, he said.
"In Aotearoa, detailed studies on health service utilisation among autistic youth are lacking, highlighting a need for further research to better understand and address these healthcare needs.
"Effective management of these healthcare needs first requires a clear understanding of the populations at risk, including how these population are changing over time, and then a detailed examination of their healthcare use."
Ultimately, the research would inform the co-design (with autistic people, whānau of autistic children and people who worked closely with autistic people) of an evidence-based policy brief that would provide policymakers with recommendations that promoted effective policy solutions for improved provision of healthcare for autistic youth, he said.
"We think this will take Aotearoa a big step forward toward better healthcare for autistic people."