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Healthcare Costs of Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United States, 2003-2015

Samuel H Zuvekas1, Scott D Grosse2, Tara A Lavelle3

  • 1Center for Financing, Access and Cost Trends, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD, USA.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|October 28, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Healthcare costs for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) vary due to ascertainment methods. This study found incremental annual costs of $3930-$5621 per child, highlighting significant healthcare expenditures.

Area of Science:

  • Health Economics
  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Published healthcare cost estimates for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit significant variability.
  • Discrepancies in case ascertainment methods are a potential driver of these varying cost estimates.
  • Accurate cost data is crucial for resource allocation and policy development in pediatric healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the incremental healthcare costs associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children using two different case ascertainment methods.
  • To provide updated estimates of the economic burden of ASD on the US healthcare system.
  • To inform future research on the financial impact of ASD in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a large dataset of 45,944 children aged 3-17 years from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) linked to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
  • Determined ASD case status using parent reports from two distinct sources: the NHIS Sample Child Core questionnaire and current-year MEPS data.
  • Employed a two-part regression model to estimate the incremental annual per-child healthcare costs associated with ASD compared to children without an ASD diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • The incremental annual per-child cost of ASD was estimated at $3930 (2018 USD) when using NHIS Child Core case status.
  • Using current-year ASD case status from MEPS, the incremental annual per-child cost was estimated at $5621 (2018 USD).
  • Both cost estimates are lower than some previously published figures but remain substantial, underscoring the significant economic impact of ASD.

Conclusions:

  • The method of case ascertainment significantly influences healthcare cost estimates for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • The findings provide valuable data on the economic burden of ASD, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of healthcare expenditures.
  • These estimates, while lower than some prior reports, emphasize the continued need for healthcare system support and resource allocation for children with ASD.

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorderCost analysisHealth economicsHealth services research

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