Autism on the Rise: How COVID-19 Disrupted Access to Treatment for Children

by Jon Scaccia October 28, 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is on the rise in the United States, with more children being diagnosed today than ever before. But while diagnoses are increasing, something troubling is happening: fewer children with autism are receiving the treatments they need, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sheds light on the current state of ASD in the U.S. and the gaps in care that parents, educators, and health professionals need to understand.

The Growing Prevalence of Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder, a developmental disability that affects communication, behavior, and social interactions, has seen a steady increase in diagnoses over the past several years. In 2016, 2.5% of children aged 3-17 were reported to have autism. By 2022, that number had jumped to 3.6%. While this increase might reflect improved awareness and early detection of autism, it also means more families are navigating the challenges that come with the condition.

For parents, this increase in diagnoses can be both a relief and a source of concern. On one hand, early detection is key to accessing services and support that can help children thrive. On the other hand, the pandemic has made it harder for many families to get the necessary treatments, and this study shows that this disruption may be contributing to the decline in treatment rates.

COVID-19’s Impact on Treatment Access

While the number of children diagnosed with autism increased, the percentage of those receiving treatment dropped significantly from 70.5% in 2016 to 61.6% in 2022. Behavioral therapies, which are often critical for helping children with autism develop communication and social skills, have seen a decrease in availability. This is particularly alarming for parents and school mental health professionals, as early intervention is known to improve long-term outcomes for children with ASD.

The COVID-19 pandemic played a major role in this decline. School closures, disruptions to healthcare services, and the general upheaval of daily routines meant that many children missed out on critical treatments. Telehealth became a popular alternative, but it wasn’t accessible to everyone. Families without reliable internet access or who were unfamiliar with telehealth technology struggled to keep up with their child’s treatment plans.

In particular, the study found that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on children from minority backgrounds and those born outside the U.S. For example, non-Hispanic Black children and children born overseas saw a significant drop in medication treatment during the pandemic, highlighting how disparities in healthcare access were exacerbated by the crisis.

The Role of Schools and Healthcare Providers

Schools are often a lifeline for children with autism, providing not just education but also a range of support services, including behavioral therapy. However, with schools closed during the pandemic, many children lost access to these essential services. Teachers and school mental health professionals were left scrambling to find ways to support students remotely, but the effectiveness of these efforts varied widely.

Even before the pandemic, children from lower-income families and minority groups were less likely to receive comprehensive treatment for autism. The pandemic has only worsened these inequalities. Non-Hispanic Black children and children from families living below the national poverty line were already at a disadvantage when it came to accessing services, and the pandemic further limited their options.

What This Means for Parents and Professionals

For parents of children with autism, these findings underscore the importance of advocating for their child’s needs, especially in challenging times. School mental health professionals play a crucial role in supporting children with autism, but they can only do so much if treatments are not readily available or accessible.

Parents, teachers, and health professionals must work together to ensure that children with autism continue to receive the support they need, even when face-to-face services are disrupted. Telehealth may not be a perfect solution, but for many families, it has been a lifeline during the pandemic. Expanding access to telehealth services, especially for underserved populations, could help bridge the gap in care that the pandemic has widened.

Looking Ahead: The Need for Policy Changes

This study highlights the urgent need for policy changes that prioritize the mental health and development of children with autism. As we move forward, it’s essential that policymakers focus on reducing disparities in access to treatment, particularly for minority children and those from low-income families.

Additionally, schools must be equipped with the resources they need to support students with autism, whether through in-person services or telehealth options. Healthcare providers, too, should be encouraged to offer flexible, remote treatment options when in-person visits aren’t feasible.

By making these changes, we can ensure that all children with autism have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Conclusion

The increase in autism diagnoses over the past several years is a call to action for parents, educators, and healthcare providers alike. While the rise in diagnoses might signal better awareness, the decrease in treatment access during the pandemic reveals deep cracks in the system that must be addressed.

Parents and school mental health professionals should stay informed about the latest treatment options, including telehealth, and advocate for policies that expand access to care for all children with autism. By working together, we can help close the gap in care and give every child with autism the support they need to succeed.

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your child’s access to mental health services, and what solutions have you found helpful?
2. In what ways can schools better support children with autism, especially when traditional in-person services are disrupted?

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