Research on the direct financial burden on families with 2-6 years old children having autism spectrum disorder in China

Abstract

Objective To investigate and explore the direct expenditures on health care and intervention of the families of 2-6 years old children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods Using the questionnaire to investigate the financial cost on Chinese families of 2-6 years old ASD children. Chi square analysis and ANOVA analysis were used to compare the mean values of various expenditures. Results Caregivers of 3 880 ASD children were recruited in 33 Provinces of China.The direct expenditure of intervention is average 7 339.48 Yuan per month (88 073.76 Yuan per year), which accounts for 85.56% of the total household income. The total direct expenditure of intervention is average 9 677.87 Yuan per month (116 134.44 Yuan per year), which accounts for 127.38% of the total household income. To the low-income families, their intervention expenditure's percentage can high up to 210%, along with the middle-income families 97% and the high-income families 56%. The statistical difference is obviously significant (all P Conclusion The cost of intervention of ASD children has caused a serious financial burden on their families, especially to the poor and the families with low functioning children.