Recent study revealed that many children suffering from autism are often not diagnosed. Researchers also found that number of the children suffering from autism has increased 12 fold in the last 30 years.

Research team lead by Professor Baron-Cohen studied Cambridge school registers of children with special educational needs. Data analysis showed 1 per cent of children affected by autism. Questionnaire given to parents confirmed 41 new cases.

Data analysis revealed that including undiagnosed cases, one in 64 children suffer from autism which is 1.5 per cent of the population. This means that nearly 500,000 to
750,000 children suffer from autism.

Researchers concluded that for every three cases that are diagnosed, a further two may be undiagnosed.

Mark Lever, National Autistic Society chief executive, said: "This is important research, which for the first time gives us an estimate of the number of people who don't have an autism diagnosis but may be in need of support."