Cost-impact of young adults with high-functioning autistic spectrum disorder.
There is a general lack of information about the economic impact of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly regarding adults and those with high-functioning ASD. In this study, the societal economic consequences of ASD were investigated using a sample of young high-functioning adults in need of employment support. A methodology for the collection of cost information was developed and information about how to avoid obstacles in the collection process was obtained. Today, many people with ASD who would be able to function in open employment do not get this opportunity. This study demonstrated that ASD results in high costs and indicates that a lack of supported employment programmes for people with ASD may have negative resource consequences for the economy. The study also contributes towards a methodology of economically evaluating supported employment programs as well as other interventions for people with high-functioning ASD.
Centre for the Economics of Mental Health, Health Service Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK. k.jarbrink@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Krister
K
Järbrink
Paul
P
McCrone
Eric
E
Fombonne
Håkan
H
Zandén
Martin
M
Knapp
D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000191:economics*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016832:Employment, Supported / Q000191:economics*; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D012944:Social Support