Supporting Families Impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

WHEREAS, The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased significantly over the past two decades, an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 44 adults in the U.S. have autism according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Boys are nearly 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls; the prevalence of autism is somewhat higher in Black (2.9%), Hispanic (3.2%), and Asian or Pacific Islander (3.3%) children compared with white children (2.4%), which is thought to be due to an increase in screening, awareness, and access to services in communities of color; and 

WHEREAS, ASD is defined by the CDC as "a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known." Given what is unknown, scientists have called for more research to learn what causes autism and the most effective treatment options; and 

WHEREAS, The literature shows that raising a child with autism has whole-person and family-wide impacts, the lifetime financial costs range from $1.4 million to $2.4 million depending on whether the child has an accompanying intellectual disability; and 

WHEREAS, Families of children with ASD face significant difficulties accessing services compared to families with other health care needs, it often requires parents to reduce work hours or stop working entirely, making it harder to afford necessary services for their children with ASD. While family participation is crucial in ASD treatments, family participation challenges include obtaining childcare, which can impact parents' work decisions, and facing disruptions in professional services and support for their children; and

WHEREAS, Many states have a program for people with developmental disabilities called a Medicaid Waiver (also known as 1915(c) Home and Community Based Services), the benefits provided by the waivers may vary by state and typically cover the costs of medical treatments, respite care, transportation, in-home support, among others. While waiver criteria and availability vary from state to state, in some states, children are not required to meet eligibility criteria for Medicaid to qualify for a waiver. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that theNational Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) advocates for more federally- and industry-funded research inclusive of people of color to advance the understanding of ASD, including its causes, appropriate screening and diagnostic tools, and the most effective treatment options to manage core symptoms and to promote the total wellbeing of people with autism. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP supports more widespread financial and service provision programs (i.e., free and subsidized care) for people with ASD funded through state- and local-based opportunities, grants, SSI, and Medicaid waivers for families across the socioeconomic spectrum.