Cost of speech-language interventions for children and youth with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Canada

Abstract

This study, which is part of a large economic project on the overall burden and cost associated with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Canada, estimated the cost of 1:1 speech-language interventions among children and youth with FASD for Canada in 2011. The number of children and youth with FASD and speech-language disorder(s) (SLD), the distribution of the level of severity, and the number of hours needed to treat were estimated using data from the available literature. 1:1 speech-language interventions were computed using the average cost per hour for speech-language pathologists. It was estimated that ˜ 37,928 children and youth with FASD had SLD in Canada in 2011. Using the most conservative approach, the annual cost of 1:1 speech-language interventions among children and youth with FASD is substantial, ranging from $72.5 million to $144.1 million Canadian dollars. Speech-language pathologists should be aware of the disproportionate number of children and youth with FASD who have SLD and the need for early identification to improve access to early intervention. Early identification and access to high quality services may have a role in decreasing the risk of developing the secondary disabilities and in reducing the economic burden of FASD on society.

Speech and language therapy service delivery: overcoming limited provision for children

“…This will have an impact in their emotional, occupational and educational development that influences the children's quality of life. Early identification and intervention, through a feasible service delivery model may have a role in decreasing the risk of developing secondary disabilities and in reducing the economic burden of communicative impairments in society (Popova, Lange, Burd, Shield, & Rehm, 2014).…”

“…Running head: Speech and Language Therapy Service Delivery Early identification and access to high quality services may have a role in decreasing the risk of developing secondary disabilities and in reducing the economic burden of communicative impairments in society (Popova et al, 2014).…”

Cost attributable to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the Canadian correctional system

“…Furthermore, the burden that FASD places on society spans across a wide range of service sectors, and as such it is necessary to include all contributing cost components in order to get an accurate and valid estimate of the overall economic impact of FASD (see Popova, Stade, Bekmuradov, Lange, & Rehm, 2012c,d;Popova et al, 2012d for a complete list of cost components). The authors of the current study have undertaken this task in Canada (see, for example, estimates of FASDattributable burden and cost for: specialized addiction treatment services [$1.7 million to $3.6 million; Popova et al, 2013c], the child care system [$57.9 million to $101.1 million; Popova et al, 2014a], speechlanguage interventions [$72.5 million to $144.1 million;Popova et al, 2014b]; screening and diagnosis [$3.6 million to $7.3 million; Popova et al, 2013a], and the health care cost of acute care, psychiatric care, day surgery, and emergency department services associated with FAS [$6.7 million; Popova et al, 2012a]). …”

“…In addition, individuals with FASD have an increased risk of developing secondary disabilities, such as mental health problems, trouble with the law, school drop-outs, unemployment, homelessness, and/or alcohol and other drug problems (Streissguth et al, 2004). When combined with the person's primary deficits, these secondary disabilities increase the complexity of care and result in significant social and economic costs to society (Abel & Sokol, 1987;Harwood, 2000;Legge, Roberts, & Butler, 2001;Lupton, Burd, & Harwood, 2004;PHAC, 2003PHAC, , 2005bPopova, Stade, Bekmuradov, Lange, & Rehm, 2011b,b,b, 2014aPopova, Lange, Burd, Shield, & Rehm, 2014b;Popova, Lange, Burd, Urbanoski, & Rehm, 2013b;Popova et al, 2013a;Popova, Stade, Lange, & Rehm, 2012b;Popova, Lange, Burd, & Rehm, 2012a, 2014aStade et al, 2009).…”

Special Education of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

“…The impairments caused by prenatal alcohol exposure result in significant social and economic costs to society (Abel & Sokol, 1987; Harwood, 2000; Legge, Roberts, & Butler, 2001; Lupton, Burd, & Harwood, 2004; Public Health Agency of Canada [PHAC], 2003, 2005; Popova et al, 2011, 2012, 2013a, 2013b, 2013c, 2014, 2015; Stade et al, 2009). …”