Children With Autism Have Annual Health Care Costs Ranging From $3,930 To $5,621 Higher Than Children Without Autism

Annual per-child health care costs for children ages 3 to 17 years with autism are higher than for children without autism, and the difference ranges from $3,930 per child to $5,621 per child. The range difference may be due to the way federal surveys identify cases of autism. The estimates are based on a review of two parent-report surveys: the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Sample Child Core questionnaire. Using autism case ascertainment from the MEPS, the per-child annual cost difference was $5,621. Using autism case ascertainment . . .