Posted: 02/03/09
A study published in the December issue of Pediatrics found that even with health insurance medical plans, parents of autistic children are more likely to see their sons or daughter's special health needs go unmet while also facing a greater financial burden for care. When compared to other special needs children, autistic children often receive the same level of primary care. However, there is often more difficulty in obtaining referrals and coordinating care among multiple caregivers.
Laura Bono, a board member of Safe Minds, a childhood neuro-developmental nonprofit advocacy group in Durham, N.C., noted that many health insurance medical plans won't cover all the needs of autistic children because they view the situation as a developmental disorder and not a disease. This creates financial hardship for parents due to the constant care necessary.
The study notes that 57 percent of families with autistic children had to reduce or stop working to meet the child's needs. This is a significant number, especially when compared to other special needs groups.
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