The Economic Burden of Families with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Children in Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract:The economic burden of families with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) children that are far beyond the needs of typical children causes physical and mental stress for their parents. The study aims to examine the economic burden of parents with ASD children in Malaysia. Calculation is made using a cost-loss approach due to ASD that include direct, indirect and developmental costs. Using convenient sampling method, a total of 245 parents have filled out questionnaires through online or hard copies. Development costs represent the highest cost of RM20,989.33, followed by medical direct costs RM8,378.73, RM5,033.57 for non-medical direct costs and RM963.99 for indirect costs. The total cost of financing an ASD child is RM35,365.62 a year. This is a huge and burdensome amount for parents. The findings of this study may assist responsible parties in the planning of effective service provision to suit the need of parents with ASD children in Malaysia.

Societal Perspective of Cost Analysis of an Early Intervention Programme for Autism Children and It’s Contributing Factors in Klang Valley Malaysia, 2019

“…The range of children's age was 69 months with the youngest at 15 months old and the oldest at 84 months old. In general, EIP services were provided by most EIP centres among preschool age group of ASD children, because EIP is believed by many to be most effective when provided at an early age [8,10]. In Malaysia, the EIP service provision in the public centre-based was limited to the preschool age to date, and most EIP centres were concentrated in urban areas because demand for services is higher compared to the rural areas.…”

“…In determining the financial burden of families with ASD child, there was a significant difference between household income groups with services rehabilitation (P = .05). To improve the health outcome, the families with above average household income groups put a higher commitment to their child's therapy, compared to lower household income group [10]. Among the very low-income group, trade-offs were made between expenditures for the special needs' child and basic living expenses and between care of children and other demands.…”

“…In terms of severity classification, the level of intelligent quotient (IQ) is not a requirement for ASD children that is diagnosed in Malaysia, compared to the practice from other country, which incorporated the element of IQ in classifying the severity of ASD [22,23,26]. Regarding comorbidities, it was reported by several to have relationship with the ASD-related intervention and management [10,15,23,27]. Nonetheless, this factor was also excluded because it is one of the present study's exclusion criteria.…”

“…EIP should be offered to all children diagnosed with ASD as early as 36 months old to improve the outcomes. The models of EIP included home-based or centrebased program [9]; which involved integration of physical therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychological therapy, behavioral therapy, special education, social welfare and medical interventions [6,10]. To achieve the best outcome for children with ASD across lifespan, EIP can be one of the alternatives [11].…”

“…Regarding ASD's assessment, diagnosis and treatment, it requires comprehensive, intensive and multisectoral management approach [6,10]. Since it requires a multisectoral approach, EIP is a crucial component and it is very expensive [12].…”