Research Highlights Importance of Quality Healthcare for Children with Autism

Strategic Insights -

Flourishing in children with autism is a positive indicator of emotional, social, and cognitive development. A recent study, funded by the Health Resources And Services Administration, found that children with autism who receive comprehensive and coordinated care are more likely to flourish compared to those without such care. The study used data from the US National Survey of Children's Health to investigate the association between access to quality healthcare and flourishing indicators in school-aged children with autism.

Key Takeaways:

  • Children with autism who receive comprehensive and coordinated care are more likely to flourish compared to those without such care for five out of six indicators.
  • The indicators of comprehensive and coordinated care include having a medical home, receiving regular medical and dental preventive care, having adequate insurance, not having unmet needs or barriers to accessing services, and being prepared for transition to adult healthcare.
  • Children with autism are more likely to flourish when their families and healthcare providers work together effectively.
  • Addressing gaps in the quality care system is essential for developing holistic approaches that empower children with autism to thrive.
  • Supportive health policies and effective coordination between families and healthcare providers are crucial for fostering the flourishing of children with autism.
  • The study found that children with autism are more likely to lack adequate healthcare access, have unmet needs, and experience barriers to accessing services.
  • The researchers identified six core indicators for school-aged children and adolescents, which assess whether the family feels like a partner in their child's care and whether the child has access to a medical home.
  • The study's findings suggest that holistic approaches to care are necessary to foster the flourishing of children with autism.

Statistics:

  • 55% of children with autism in the study had inadequate healthcare access.
  • 45% of children with autism in the study had unmet needs.
  • 32% of children with autism in the study experienced barriers to accessing services.
  • Nearly 75% of families with children with autism report feeling like a partner in their child's care.
  • 65% of children with autism have a medical home.
  • The study found that children with autism are more likely to lack adequate insurance, have unmet needs, and experience barriers to accessing services.

Sources:

  • Linking System of Care Services to Flourishing in School-Aged Children with Autism. Disabilities, 2025,5(2):57.
  • MDPI AG, publisher
  • University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. [https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/disabilities5020057](https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/disabilities5020057)