Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2025
09:13
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
16.5K
Autism and Medical Complexity Among Children in the United States
Philip H Smith1, Lindsay L Shea1, Jessica E Rast1
1A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Pediatrics
|February 2, 2025
Summary
Many autistic children also have complex medical needs, leading to higher healthcare costs. Services and research often overlook this significant overlap, impacting care for these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health Services Research
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Epidemiology
- Child Health Policy
Background:
- Children with medical complexity (CMC) and autistic children face expanding, yet often separate, service systems.
- Significant overlap exists between CMC and autism, yet they are treated independently in policy and research.
- Understanding this comorbidity is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of overlapping medical complexity and autism in US children.
- To compare healthcare expenditures for autistic children with medical complexity against other groups.
- To highlight the need for integrated approaches in services, research, and policy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two national cross-sectional surveys: National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) and Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS).
- Inclusion of children aged 0-17 years across multiple survey years (NSCH: 2017-2022; MEPS: 2010-2021).
- Definition of CMC using two algorithms of varying stringency.
Main Results:
- In 2021-2022 NSCH, 59.3% of autistic children met CMC criteria (or 17.6% with a stringent algorithm).
- 41% of CMC were identified as autistic.
- Autistic CMC incurred significantly higher median healthcare expenditures than other CMC or autistic children.
Conclusions:
- There is substantial overlap between medical complexity and autism in US children.
- Combined conditions result in significantly elevated healthcare expenditures.
- Current fragmented approaches in services, research, and policy must evolve to address the integrated needs of these children and their families.
More Related Videos
08:42A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
8.2K
05:32Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
Published on: December 7, 2018
8.8K
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
57
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
57
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
35
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
35
01:26Modeling in Therapy
43
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
43
01:27Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
37
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) serves as the primary classification system for mental health disorders, providing standardized diagnostic criteria for clinicians and researchers. First published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1952, the DSM has undergone several revisions to reflect evolving psychiatric understanding. The fifth edition, DSM-5, released in 2013, introduced key updates that expanded diagnostic categories and modified diagnostic...
37
01:29Intellectual Disability
38
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
38
01:15Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
559
The case management model is a multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and pharmacists, working collaboratively to address the various needs of patients. Each healthcare professional brings unique expertise and perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.
For example, a patient with a chronic...
For example, a patient with a chronic...
559