Utah Autism Facts (as of 2011)
- 1 in 77 children in Utah is diagnosed with autism.
- Autism is a treatable disorder. Children who receive evidence-based treatment can improve and even recover.
- Utah is one of 21 states without autism legislation in place.
- Many children in Utah do not have access to evidence-based treatments for autism.
- Data from states with autism insurance legislation indicate that related premium increases were only $.44 - $.83 per member, per month.
(Data provided by the Utah Registry of Autism & Developmental Disabilities and Autism Speaks.)
Frequently Asked Questions
-What is the mission of the UAC? We are a parent-driven, grassroots advocacy group dedicated to supporting initiatives and other programs that enhance the lives of individuals with autism and their families here in Utah. It is comprised of both the families of these individuals as well as representatives from various autism advocacy organizations, agencies, and professionals who serve Utahns with Autism Spectrum Disorders. We aim to ensure that evidence-based services are available to all, and to keep the public informed of progress in this area.
- How does autism impact my community? Autism is a devastating disorder affecting an epidemic proportion of children in your community. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 110 children will be diagnosed, with 1 in 70 affecting boys. These children have an average life expectancy, generally outliving their parents, and potentially their siblings and other family members.
- How many people have autism? Autism affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans and is increasing at a rate of 10-17% per year.
- How does autism affect families in Utah? Raising a child with autism places an unprecedented financial strain on their families. Parents with a child with autism are 3 times more likely to have quit their jobs, pay more for their child's healthcare needs, and are more likely to have money difficulties. Approximately 1 in 3 families affected by autism are single-parent households.
- Is there a cure for autism? While there is no cure at this time, Autism Is Treatable! With appropriate treatment, 30 years of research has conclusively proven that many children can overcome the severe symptoms of autism to lead very productive lives.
- What are the key ingredients for treatment to be successful? There are 4 key ingredients:
a- Early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment
b- High intensity
c- Parent involvement, and
d- Individualized treatment plan
- What is the cost for not treating autism? The estimated cost savings over the lifetime of an individual with autism who receives appropriate early treatment is $1.7 to $2.8 million per child (Jacobsen et. al., 1998). In contrast, a 2006 Harvard Study indicates that without appropriate intervention, a person with autism will have a societal impact of $3.2 million over the course of their lifetime.
- Do insurance companies cover autism now? At this time, most private insurance policies specifically exclude coverage for treating autism, even when the service is otherwise covered by the health plan. UAC is working to end this discriminatory practice against children with autism.
