Optimizing Early Intervention Strategies for Neurodiverse Children (ASD): Reducing Long-Term Public Healthcare Costs through Parent-Mediated Training

Abstract

The escalating prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), now affecting approximately 1 in 36 children globally, presents an unprecedented challenge to public healthcare systems. Lifetime support costs for individuals with ASD range from $1.4 to $2.4 million per person, with aggregate national expenditures projected to exceed $460 billion annually by 2022. Current intervention models, clinic-based and professionally delivered, are characterized by limited accessibility, extensive waitlists, and unsustainable resource demands, necessitating urgent exploration of cost-effective alternatives. This study examines the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of Parent-Mediated Training (PMT) as an early intervention strategy for neurodiverse children with ASD, evaluating its potential to reduce long-term public healthcare expenditures while maintaining or improving developmental outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of longitudinal outcome data from 847 families across twelve intervention sites with qualitative exploration of parent experiences, implementation barriers, and facilitating factors. Cost-benefit analysis compared PMT programs against traditional professionally delivered interventions over a 10-year projection period.

Results demonstrate that PMT programs yield comparable developmental gains to clinic-based interventions at 40-60% reduced cost. Parental competency improvements showed sustained benefits beyond the intervention period, with cascading effects on sibling development and family functioning. Implementation of fidelity and socioeconomic factors significantly moderate outcomes. Parent-Mediated Training represents a scalable, cost-effective intervention model capable of addressing service gaps while alleviating fiscal pressures on public healthcare systems. Policy recommendations include integrating PMT into standard care pathways, developing tiered training infrastructure, and establishing sustainable funding mechanisms. These findings hold significant implications for health ministry’s seeking to optimize resource allocation within neurodevelopmental service provision.

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