Estimating Autism-Related Expenses

While it is a difficult task to estimate the total cost of autism on a family or on society, we believe that knowledge is power. If your child has a recent diagnosis of autism, you may be trying to learn as much as you can about how this will impact your child and your family. Estimating costs may feel daunting and discouraging, but instead try to look at it as knowledge that will empower you to make plans and help your child lead their best life.

The organization Autism Speaks found in a 2012 study that society pays upwards of two million dollars for an individual with autism spectrum disorder and an accompanying disability. This amount would be lower for a child with ASD but without a disability. Keep in mind that this number reflects the total cost on society, not a family alone, and these costs include childcare, special education, intervention, and adult residential placement.

Specific Costs to the Family

Health Insurance

Many of the costs associated with autism are medical expenses. More and more insurance companies cover these expenses. Of course, families still pay premiums and deductibles out of pocket. These expenses can be affected by location, number of people covered, and many more variables.

Intensive Therapy

If you’ve read much about ABA therapy, you know that some children require 20 or more hours of therapy per week. Whether or not this therapy is covered by your health insurance may vary from state to state. It is not unheard of for parents to spend up to $25,000 on therapy each year.

Specialized Equipment

From noise-canceling headphones, to sensory swings, to iPads and assistive technology, these items add up.

Targeted Activities

Depending on their needs and wants, families may choose to enroll their child in special camps or lessons geared for children with autism. These may amount to hundreds or thousands of dollars each year.

Investing in Your Child

Researchers who looked into autism expenses found that families who began autism-related services in early childhood (when the child was younger than six years old) spent around $14,000 more. In the end, these children required less medical and therapeutic intervention and therefore needed $19,000 worth of services less per year than children who did not receive that same early intervention. Every family’s budget is different, and every child’s needs will be different as well. However, you can’t go wrong investing in your child’s future. 

Positive Reinforcement not only offers in home ABA therapy for North Virginia, West Virginia including cities like Ashburn, Leesburg, Winchester, Richmond, Centerville.