CYP Now - Additional Family Costs for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Children on the autism spectrum and their families face high financial costs but cost estimates to date have not included everyday items such as clothing, furniture and toys. This study, by Loughborough University and children’s disability charity Family Fund, set out to explore the additional cost of providing everyday goods and services that meet children’s needs.

The study suggests everyday non-specialist goods and services cost families at least an extra £51.10 per week. Picture: Ascannio/Adobe Stock

Published by Family Fund

The study focused on items used to calculate the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) – the income UK families need to have a socially acceptable standard of living, based on the views of members of the public. Children with autism may have sensory, emotional, developmental or physical needs that mean they must have personal and household items of a higher quality. They may need a higher number of items and items may need to be replaced more often.

First of all 19 families with children with autism were interviewed to help identify essential goods and services. Parents from across the UK then took part in four focus groups – comprising five to eight parents each – to look at the original specifications for these items as set out in the MIS and discuss what, if anything, would need to be changed to meet the needs of a child on the autism spectrum.

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