The following article appeared in Disability Scoop
Autism is costing society $137 billion annually, according to new estimates
that suggest a three-fold increase in less than a decade.
that suggest a three-fold increase in less than a decade.
The figure comes from preliminary findings of a new analysis of the
economic impact of autism. The results of the Autism Speaks-funded
study are expected to be presented Saturday at a conference in Hong
Kong.
economic impact of autism. The results of the Autism Speaks-funded
study are expected to be presented Saturday at a conference in Hong
Kong.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and the London School
of Economics reviewed multiple studies looking at the costs of education,
health care and other needs of those with autism to come up with the new
estimates.
of Economics reviewed multiple studies looking at the costs of education,
health care and other needs of those with autism to come up with the new
estimates.
They found that lifetime care for an individual with autism who also has
intellectual disability runs $2.3 million in the U.S. on average. For those
on the spectrum without intellectual disability, they calculated $1.4 million
in lifetime expenses.
intellectual disability runs $2.3 million in the U.S. on average. For those
on the spectrum without intellectual disability, they calculated $1.4 million
in lifetime expenses.
Based on newly-released prevalence estimates suggesting that autism
affects 1 in 88 U.S. children, the researchers found that the developmental
disability is costing society $137 billion each year. That’s a significant
increase over a 2007 study in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent
Medicine which pegged autism’s yearly impact in the U.S. to be closer
to $35 billion.
affects 1 in 88 U.S. children, the researchers found that the developmental
disability is costing society $137 billion each year. That’s a significant
increase over a 2007 study in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent
Medicine which pegged autism’s yearly impact in the U.S. to be closer
to $35 billion.
The majority of the costs associated with autism over the lifetime occur
in the adult years, the new analysis suggests. Specifically, funding
residential care for those with autism who are often unemployed or
underemployed adds up.
in the adult years, the new analysis suggests. Specifically, funding
residential care for those with autism who are often unemployed or
underemployed adds up.
“We are paying for the costs of inaction and the costs of ‘inappropriate
action,’” said David Mandell of the University of Pennsylvania, who is
behind the research. “Social exclusion of individuals with autism and
intellectual disability, and exclusion of higher-functioning individuals
from employment opportunities are increasing the burden not only on
these individuals and their families, but on society as a whole.”
action,’” said David Mandell of the University of Pennsylvania, who is
behind the research. “Social exclusion of individuals with autism and
intellectual disability, and exclusion of higher-functioning individuals
from employment opportunities are increasing the burden not only on
these individuals and their families, but on society as a whole.”
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