Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) brings immense joy and unique challenges — but for many families, one of the most daunting hurdles is the financial burden of care. A new nationally representative survey sheds light on just how significant that burden can be.

According to the study, families with a child actively receiving treatment for ASD incur almost 10 times more in healthcare costs compared to families of children without treated autism. From 2018 to 2022, the average annual healthcare expenditure for a child in ASD treatment was $20,122, compared to just $2,201 for children without ASD-focused care.

Where the Money Goes

The survey found that nearly 70% of all healthcare spending for autistic children in treatment was tied to ASD-specific services. The majority of this spending was concentrated in two areas:

• Outpatient visits — 51% of expenses (~$10,279)

• Home healthcare — 36% (~$7,168)

In contrast, families without ASD treatment expenses spent an average of $1,101 on outpatient visits, and only $102 on home healthcare.

Who Is Most Affected

• ASD treatment was three times more common in boys than girls.

• Healthcare expenditures varied significantly depending on insurance coverage and poverty level. Families with public insurance typically reported lower costs than those with private insurance.

• The study also revealed a sobering fact: about one-third of children with an ASD diagnosis receive no treatment at all.

What’s Missing From the Numbers

Researchers note that these costs don’t include services provided in schools or institutional settings — meaning the true cost of autism care may be even higher than the reported numbers suggest.

Why This Matters

Healthcare is only one part of the autism journey, but the financial pressures can weigh heavily on families, potentially limiting access to the consistent therapies and supports children need to thrive. Expanding affordable services and ensuring equitable access — especially for families with fewer resources — is crucial.

For more information about autism spectrum disorder and available resources, visit the CDC Autism page.