How Many Young Adults “Age Out” Of Autism Services & What Are The Service Implications?

Each year, around 50,000 students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) "age out’"of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)-mandated (state and school district funded) educational supports and services. IDEA-mandated services account for 50% of additional service spending (health and non-health) on children with ASD compared to children without ASD. These services end when a child with ASD ‘ages out’ of the public education system. Research shows that use of medical, mental health, and case management services for young adults with ASD declines after high school graduation . . .