home
RSS
Schools picking up autism tab
February 11th, 2014
11:55 AM ET

Schools picking up autism tab

The surge in autism diagnoses since the year 2000 has come with a massive cost that’s shouldered largely by the public school system, say researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health.

In what’s billed as a conservative estimate, they say the “economic burden” of an autism diagnosis is more than $17,000 a year through age 17, with medical costs making up less than 20% of the total. The biggest chunk of the tab, $8,610, is picked up by schools, according to their paper, published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.

“The education system is already under a lot of financial strain,” says Tara LaVelle, the lead author, who is now an associate policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. “We need policies at the federal, state and local level to make sure funds are available to provide appropriate intervention.”

The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) jumped 78% between the year 2000 and 2012, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although there is an ongoing debate over whether ASD is truly more common or if parents and physicians are simply more aware. The 2012 report, based on medical records, said approximately 1 in 88 children have the disorder. Last year, based on a survey of parents, the CDC said the figure may be even higher – as high as 1 in 50. Most experts believe the actual number is somewhere between the two.

The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to provide a “free and appropriate” education to children diagnosed with ASD, as well as those with other disabilities. The cost can be high, since many of the students require a one-on-one or small group setting.

In the study, 78% of children with ASD attended public school, compared with 62% of other children. Researchers found 76% of children with ASD use special education services, compared with 8% of the overall school population.

As autism diagnoses surged in the early 2000s, so did federal grants for special education – from $5 billion in 2000 to $12 billion just five years later. More recently, the pace of federal spending has slowed, leaving states and cities struggling to make up the difference.

Aside from the burden on schools, the paper found an ASD diagnosis costs the average family the equivalent of $5,089 a year in time devoted to additional caregiving, $3,020 in higher medical costs and $350 for the cost of therapy and other services.

Interestingly, LaVelle and her team found that most parents spent very little out-of-pocket, except for those whose children were diagnosed as most severely affected. One possible reason: 34 states have passed laws requiring insurance companies to pay for at least some autism treatment.

“This might mean insurance reform is working, if families are not feeling such large out-of-pocket costs,” says Michael Rosanoff, associate director for public health research at the advocacy group Autism Speaks, which helps to push for the laws.

Rosanoff says other studies have found a higher out-of-pocket cost, and notes that the study sample was relatively small – it looked at 137 families coping with an ASD diagnosis and 121 other families – and may have missed the most extreme cases. Some parents report spending as much as $100,000 in a year for assessments, medical care and intense therapy. And a 2006 study estimated it can cost $3.2 million to care for a person with autism throughout their life, taking into account medical bills, therapy and lost economic opportunities.

In making the case for insurers to foot the bill for early treatment, advocates say it saves money in the long run, by reducing the burden on schools and by enabling more people to live independent lives.

One often-cited study found that of children who began treatment before turning 3, nearly half improved to the point where they were indistinguishable from same-age peers.

Melissa Solares, whose son Arturo was diagnosed with ASD in 2012 at the age of 4, says the massive intervention has paid off. “Arturo is doing amazing,” she says. While he initially could speak less than 50 words, he’s now at grade level or advanced academically. “We are looking for him to lose his diagnosis in the next year or two.”

But it’s also true that costs might rise, at least in the short term, if all parents were able to access high-quality treatment. According to the new report, only 31% of families reporting an ASD diagnosis used any kind of formal therapy in the previous year.

Indeed, other studies have found a significantly higher cost burden; one study in the United Kingdom found an annual price tag of $44,063 while another in Sweden pegged the annual cost at more than $68,000 per child.

“The reality is that almost every family or individual seeking needed support and services is unable to afford the cost,” says Scott Badesch, president and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “The bigger challenge we constantly face is how to support the needs of the vast majority of those impacted by autism who have limited resources and struggle each day to get by.”


soundoff (647 Responses)
  1. Lucio Stallbaumer

    http://eduardon81r9.blogproducer.com/5669267/rv-body-shop-near-me-an-overview

    June 9, 2021 at 10:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Xavier Overly

    After checking out a handful of the articles on your website, I really appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I saved it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Please visit my web site as well and tell me your opinion.

    http://www.shinobi.jp/etc/goto.html?http://arthurm15j9.blogginaway.com/4916479/the-5-second-trick-for-internet-marketing-consultant

    June 9, 2021 at 10:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Rocco Miske

    Iím amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I come across a blog thatís both equally educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I stumbled across this in my hunt for something relating to this.

    https://tieba.baidu.com/mo/q/checkurl?url=https://connerl70o8.ivasdesign.com/24199316/what-s-daily-life-coaching-and-why-everyday-living-coaching-may-be-to-suit-your-needs

    June 9, 2021 at 10:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. Internet Marketing Mechanics

    This site definitely has all the info I needed concerning this subject and didnít know who to ask.

    http://www.lightsculpture.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=lifeboosterpack.com/

    June 9, 2021 at 15:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Lou Hodan

    Spot on with this write-up, I really believe this site needs a great deal more attention. Iíll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the info!

    https://griffins26i7.blogmazing.com/4036817/how-boat-wraps-near-me-can-save-you-time-stress-and-money

    June 9, 2021 at 17:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Alberto Layous

    I like it whenever people get together and share views. Great website, continue the good work!

    http://www.shinobi.jp/etc/goto.html?http://reidn41k1.ampblogs.com/Detailed-Notes-on-RV-Furniture-Repair-36131734

    June 9, 2021 at 21:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Avery Findlay

    https://bitly.com/a/warning?hash=3nUs1YL&url=https://dominickx1rh2.life3dblog.com/3881553/land-for-sale-cheney-wa-for-dummies

    June 9, 2021 at 21:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. rv repair near me

    http://directory.lufkindailynews.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=messiah6b3u9.bloggerchest.com/3500573/top-rv-repair-near-me-secrets

    June 9, 2021 at 23:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. Quincy Elswick

    http://jaideng18a7.mybjjblog.com/everything-about-rv-body-shop-15281947

    June 10, 2021 at 01:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Vaughn Durick

    https://ditu.google.cn/url?q=http://manuelf58j6.blue-blogs.com/5522635/not-known-factual-statements-about-maserati-mcclaren-dealer-near-me

    June 10, 2021 at 07:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Lynn Fina

    This was great! I would like you to clean up all this spam though

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/yusufhanafy

    June 10, 2021 at 08:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Carlos Walworth

    http://www.shinobi.jp/etc/goto.html?http://garrettu14x2.blogzet.com/the-definitive-guide-to-semi-truck-repair-15304387

    June 10, 2021 at 08:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Rosaura Stephanski

    https://www.treasury.gov/cgi-bin/redirect.cgi/?https://www.angelov14y3.glifeblog.com/4299183/not-known-factual-statements-about-digital-marketing-agency

    June 10, 2021 at 08:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. rv repair shop near me

    http://register.scotland.org/Subscribe/WidgetSignup?url=http://hm2001.de/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=100850

    June 10, 2021 at 08:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. Eusebio Hislip

    You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the greatest websites online. I'm going to recommend this site!

    https://miloy74o3.thekatyblog.com/4309352/what-exactly-is-everyday-living-coaching-and-why-life-coaching-could-be-in-your-case

    June 10, 2021 at 08:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Annita Hirschi

    https://caidenq53n2.p2blogs.com/4084377/the-smart-trick-of-video-marketing-experts-that-no-one-is-discussing

    June 10, 2021 at 16:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. rv repair shops near me

    http://rs.rikkyo.ac.jp/rs/error/ApplicationError.aspx?TopURL=http://dreamcolorsphotography.com/dsc_1095

    June 10, 2021 at 17:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. Crystle Northam

    Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up and the rest of the site is extremely good.

    https://www.treasury.gov/cgi-bin/redirect.cgi/?https://www.lukast26u2.blog5star.com/4917236/rv-body-shop-an-overview

    June 10, 2021 at 18:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Brynn Slay

    Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article! It's the little changes that will make the most important changes. Thanks for sharing!

    https://bitly.com/a/warning?hash=3nUs1YL&url=https://kyler8x60z.blogdun.com/4655537/rv-repair-near-me-an-overview

    June 10, 2021 at 19:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. Denver Westerman

    Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I've read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I'll just bookmark this web site.

    June 10, 2021 at 19:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Sofia Dominguez

    http://kylero82r0.dailyhitblog.com/5507122/a-simple-key-for-best-roofing-companies-near-me-unveiled

    June 10, 2021 at 23:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. rv repair shop

    Spot on with this write-up, I honestly believe this website needs far more attention. Iíll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the advice!

    https://www.hobowars.com/game/linker.php?url=http://www.autoseobacklinks.com/search/rv-storage-near-me

    June 11, 2021 at 03:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Yahaira Zumpano

    https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/reauthorization/reauexit.cfm?link=https://stephenf58i6.losblogos.com/4360688/worth-of-appointed-date-productive-day-in-restructuring

    June 11, 2021 at 05:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Kendra Metzga

    I was able to find good info from your blog articles.

    June 11, 2021 at 06:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Lawrence Zwolinski

    Hello, There's no doubt that your blog could be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE, it's got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, great site!

    https://andresq52j1.bloguerosa.com/4260768/facts-about-van-repair-revealed

    June 11, 2021 at 06:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. rv repair shop near me

    A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you should write more about this issue, it might not be a taboo matter but typically people do not discuss these topics. To the next! All the best!!

    https://200-155-82-24.bradesco.com.br/conteudo/pessoa-fisica/popExt.aspx?url=http://website-checker.info/search/rv-repair-near-me

    June 11, 2021 at 12:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. john's near me

    papa

    June 11, 2021 at 13:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. furniture repair orange county

    Excellent post! We will be linking to this great post on our website. Keep up the great writing.

    https://onionring.jp/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=281&url=https://ocrvcenter.com/

    June 11, 2021 at 13:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. RV Beds California

    http://www.montessorihelper.com/dap/a/?a=211&p=www.ocrv.guru

    June 11, 2021 at 16:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Fiberglass Van Roof Repair

    Saved as a favorite, I love your site!

    http://shrico.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=fleetservicerepairshop.com/

    June 11, 2021 at 16:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. City Bus Repair

    I really like it when folks come together and share views. Great website, keep it up!

    http://www.bigimagination.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=fleetvehiclerepairshop.com/

    June 11, 2021 at 16:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. RV Engine Repair Near Me

    http://4do.findtreatment.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=campervanrepairshop.com

    June 11, 2021 at 19:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. rv door repair

    Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a top notch articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I hesitate a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.

    http://ww17.wageweb.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvmotorsports.org

    June 11, 2021 at 20:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. Rv Restoration Shop Near Me

    http://osgpurchasing.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=fleetautorepairshop.com

    June 12, 2021 at 03:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. RV Furniture California

    This site was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Cheers!

    http://65-71-222-209.midwestmc.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.ocrv.mobi

    June 12, 2021 at 03:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. Mercedes Sprinter Repair Shops

    https://images.google.com.sl/url?q=http://sprintervanrepairnearme.com/

    June 12, 2021 at 04:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. rv paint shops near me

    Having read this I believed it was very enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this short article together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

    http://www.leaders-are-readers.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.org/

    June 12, 2021 at 04:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. Travel Trailer Slide Out Repair

    Hi, I do think this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will return once again since i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.

    http://www.kevinmurphy.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=campervanrepairshop.com

    June 12, 2021 at 04:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. Terrance Lidie

    When I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the exact same comment. There has to be a means you are able to remove me from that service? Many thanks!

    http://travisx62j0.livebloggs.com/5699470/not-known-facts-about-repair-shop

    June 12, 2021 at 12:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. Kimberly Harston

    Howdy! I just would like to give you a big thumbs up for your excellent information you have here on this post. I will be returning to your web site for more soon.

    June 12, 2021 at 12:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. Melodie Sigafus

    http://beckettd07y6.blogacep.com/5279801/the-best-side-of-lawyers-near-me

    June 12, 2021 at 12:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. Amy Arizmendi

    https://creativecommons.org/choose/results-one?field_attribute_to_url=https://travisx25b4.boyblogguide.com/4360194/value-of-appointed-day-successful-day-in-restructuring

    June 12, 2021 at 12:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Jc Baisden

    Great article. I will be going through a few of these issues as well..

    https://creativecommons.org/choose/results-one?field_attribute_to_url=https://codyv63n2.ssnblog.com/4055821/everything-about-rv-body-shop

    June 12, 2021 at 12:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. sonic near me

    This site was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something that helped me. Cheers!

    http://nicholasdelrose.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bulknearme.com

    June 12, 2021 at 13:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. tire shop near me

    https://www.theweddingsecret.co.uk/BusinessClickthroughs/add?website=https://bjsnearme.com&id=1070977&business_id=2069

    June 12, 2021 at 13:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Pablo Nordenstrom

    Have you ever heard of second life (sl for short). It is basically a online game where you can do anything you want. SL is literally my second life (pun intended lol). If you would like to see more you can see these sl websites and blogs

    http://myvedana.blogspot.com/2010/09/multimodally-jung.html?m=0

    June 12, 2021 at 18:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. kia dealer near me

    https://splash.hume.vic.gov.au/analytics/outbound?url=https://www.bjsnearme.com

    June 12, 2021 at 20:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. burger king near me

    http://carguysgo.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=nearmyspot.com

    June 12, 2021 at 21:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. restaurants open near me

    Good article. I definitely appreciate this website. Stick with it!

    http://www.nopublicity.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.bestservicenearme.com/

    June 12, 2021 at 22:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Amie Weltzin

    Have you ever heard of second life (sl for short). It is basically a online game where you can do anything you want. SL is literally my second life (pun intended lol). If you want to see more you can see these sl articles and blogs

    http://everydayliteracies.blogspot.com/2009/09/

    June 12, 2021 at 23:25 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Leave a Reply to RV Repair Fountain Valley


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.