Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are associated with a substantial economic burden, but there is little evidence of the costs in
the early years; the period in which children are increasingly likely to be diagnosed. We describe the services used by 152
children aged 24–60 months with autism, report family out-of-pocket expenses and productivity losses, and explore the relationship
between family characteristics and costs. Children received a wide range of hospital and community services including relatively
high levels of contact with speech and language therapists and paediatricians. Total service costs varied greatly (mean £430
per month; range £53–£1,116), with some families receiving little statutory support. Higher costs were associated with increasing
age and symptom severity.
the early years; the period in which children are increasingly likely to be diagnosed. We describe the services used by 152
children aged 24–60 months with autism, report family out-of-pocket expenses and productivity losses, and explore the relationship
between family characteristics and costs. Children received a wide range of hospital and community services including relatively
high levels of contact with speech and language therapists and paediatricians. Total service costs varied greatly (mean £430
per month; range £53–£1,116), with some families receiving little statutory support. Higher costs were associated with increasing
age and symptom severity.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1393-8
- Authors
- Barbara Barrett, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Box P024, London, SE5 8AF UK
- Sarah Byford, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Box P024, London, SE5 8AF UK
- Jessica Sharac, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Box P024, London, SE5 8AF UK
- Kristelle Hudry, Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
- Kathy Leadbitter, University of Manchester, Psychiatry Research Group, Manchester, UK
- Kathryn Temple, Newcastle University, Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle, UK
- Catherine Aldred, Stockport Primary Care Trust, Children’s Therapy Services, Stockport, UK
- Vicky Slonims, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, London, UK
- Jonathan Green, University of Manchester, Psychiatry Research Group, Manchester, UK
- PACT consortium
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257