Understanding the Costs of Autism Services

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in early childhood and continues throughout the lifespan. In 2013, the costs of caring for individuals with ASD in the United States were estimated at $137 billion, and the lifetime costs per individual ranged from $1.4 million (without co-occurring intellectual disability) to $2.4 million (with co-occurring intellectual disability).1 Combined with the rapidly increasing prevalence of ASD, which was most recently estimated at 1 in 68 children,2 it is clear that ASD represents a major public health challenge.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research