June 9, 2014

expert reaction to cost of autism

JAMA Pediatrics published a literature review of US and UK studies on patients with autism spectrum disorders in 2013 to examine costs and economic impact, reporting that lifetime costs for supporting patients was substantially higher than previous estimates.

Dr Simon Wallace, Research Director, Autistica, said:

“We care about the human stories behind these numbers. Autism is life long and accessing independent living and employment can be hugely challenging. This is part of why the figures published show a greater economic impact in autism than other conditions. There is an unacceptable imbalance between these costs and the amount we spend each year on researching how to fundamentally improve the outlook for people. We know that progress is possible. The right research would provide early interventions, better mental health, and more independence. But right now we spend just £180 on research for every £1 million we spend on care and services. So as a nation we’re designing services in the absence of evidence, and we not doing enough to invest in the scientific breakthroughs that could result in a step change in people’s lives.”

Prof Declan Murphy, Head of Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, said:

“These cost figures show that autism affects all of us in society, every day, regardless of whether or not we have a family member or friend with autism. So we all need to play a part in making things better. More research funding would mean that we could conduct studies to transform lives.”

Prof Emily Simonoff, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, said:

“This is an extension of Martin Knapp’s previous work, which was from the UK only, indicating the costs of autism to be more than £28 billion per year (Knapp, M., et al. (2009). ‘Economic cost of autism in the UK.’ Autism 13(3): 317-336). Hence, the present study extends and confirms the previous findings, rather than highlighting an area of unexpected new knowledge. Nevertheless, it is an important finding because of the relatively low amounts of research funding that go to mental health, despite its huge burden.

“The previous study was startling in its findings and the present work is important in confirming the high level of cost associated with autism. Unlike many medical conditions, autism is a lifelong disorder  in which people require additional support in many areas, including education, participation in family life and community activities and, later on, in work (for some who have less global cognitive impairment) and other meaningful activities of daily living.”

‘Costs of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the United Kingdom and the United States’ by Buescher et al. published in JAMA Pediatrics on Monday 9^th June.

Declared interests

None declared