Aim: The study aimed to establish a prevalence rate for intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism among pupils in Scotland, and to analyse trends in this rate over time.

Method: The Scottish Pupil Census is conducted annually by collecting information electronically from all publicly funded primary, secondary and special schools. Whilst data has been collected since 2002, it is only possible to compare variables relevant to this study from 2008. Analysis across age ranges (4.5-18 years) was undertaken for 2008-2014.

Results: ID prevalence increased from 1.3% in 2008 to 2.3% in 2014. Autism prevalence increased from 0.7% to 1.6% over this period. The type of education attended by the majority of pupils with ID changed gradually from special to mainstream primary education between 2008 and 2014.There was a slight increase in pupils attending mainstream secondary education over this period.
Conclusions:Reported prevalence of ID and autism among children in Scotland has increased, potentially reflecting improved identification and recording of ID and autism within the education system. Data also suggests a gradual shift from special to mainstream education.