Increase in the number of children affected by autism spectrum disorder

4.3.2020

Priority question for written answer P-001299/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Stefania Zambelli (ID), Antonio Maria Rinaldi (ID), Simona Baldassarre (ID), Lucia Vuolo (ID), Alessandra Basso (ID), Angelo Ciocca (ID)

The most recent statistics concerning the number of children affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) point to a steady increase in the prevalence of this syndrome in recent years.

According to estimates drawn up by the Autism Spectrum Disorders in Europe project, in the 11 Member States participating in the survey as many as 1 child in 89 may be affected by ASD. According to the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (National Institute of Health), in Italy 1 child in 77 may be affected, and that figure has increased significantly in recent years. It is also possible that certain types of vaccination may be contributing to the increase in the number of children displaying ASD symptoms.

EU statistics are scarce and often incomplete, however, and fail to convey the seriousness of the situation.

Can the Commission therefore say whether it will:

• 1.compile uniform statistics at EU level with a view to determining how many children in each member State are affected by ASD?
• 2.conduct a statistical survey at EU level to determine whether or not there is a correlation between the incidence of autism and the number of compulsory vaccinations?