Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 January 2025
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as persistent deficits in social communication and interactions and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. There are many potential etiological causes for ASD. In the United States, the combined prevalence of ASD per 1,000 children was 23 in 2018. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends screening specifically for ASD during regular doctor visits at 18 and 24 months to ensure systematic monitoring for early signs of ASD. Most reported concerns from parents relate to abnormal childhood developmental trajectory and history of unusual behaviors, with variability in ages when features suggestive of ASD are most noticeable. Behavioral interventions for ASD focus on minimizing the effects of developmental delays and maximizing speech/language, motor, social-emotional, and cognitive skills. Medications can be used to target comorbid conditions or problematic behaviors that interfere with progress or pose safety concerns. The financial burden on families of children with ASD is correlated with the existing societal financial safety net. Poorer outcomes are expected when the family carries a substantial share of the cost to support the development of children with ASD, especially in lower-income households.
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