The Autism Value Equation 

In February, Congressmen Chris Smith and Henry Cuellar introduced the Autism CARES Act of 2024 (see;H.R. 7213: Autism CARES Act Of 2024). The bill proposes allocating over $2 billion over the next five years towards programs focused on autism research, services, and training for health care professionals. ;;;

The focus on autism is not surprising. Over the past decade, the prevalence of autism has grown to 28 in 1,000 children (see Data & Statistics On Autism Spectrum Disorder). The average annual cost of autism treatment services ranges somewhere between $5,500 and $12,000 . . .