According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), one in 68 children in the U.S. has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This reflects a 30% increase in the prevalence of ASD in the past three years. There is much speculation as to why we are seeing the increase of ASD, with no firm conclusion. However, it is known that those with ASD greatly increase the financial burden for families and society. According to a 2014 article in JAMA Pediatrics, the cost of raising a child with ASD and intellectual disability during their lifespan was $2.4 million. The cost of raising a child without an intellectual disability but with ASD was $1.4 million. The A.J. Drexler Autism Institute at Drexel University has a research program which is studying Life Course Outcomes for individuals with ASD. Among their findings was the disheartening news that there is a drop-off of individuals with ASD accessing services after high school. Approximately one-fourth of individuals with ASD in their early 20’s had had no contact with services to assist them with finding jobs, continuing their education, or supporting their independence. The research at Drexel University reveals that 37% of those with ASD were “disconnected,” meaning they had not held a job or continued their education. These statistics revealed ASD is not just a childhood disorder. We need to work as a society to increase the services and interventions available to those with ASD as they exit high school and enter post-secondary education and the workforce.
The Life Course Outcomes Research Project provides a wealth of information about the needs of those with ASD as they transition from high school to adulthood so we can learn more about how to improve the lives and the long-term outcomes for this population.
Contributor:
Julie T. Steck, Ph.D., HSPP
CRG/Children’s Resource Group
