The month of April is designated as Autism Acceptance Month, a valuable chance to highlight the incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Significant medical and clinical studies over time have revealed crucial insights about ASD, as one in 36 children are diagnosed worldwide, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A professor from Florida State University is taking a novel approach in her research, focusing on the economic challenges, health care access, and social service policies that affect individuals with autism and their families.
Kristy Anderson, an assistant professor at the Florida State University College of Social Work, specializes in autism and other developmental disabilities. A considerable portion of her research investigates the intersection of autism with systems such as Medicaid and child welfare. Findings from her studies indicate elevated levels of financial pressure and caregiver load placed on families with autistic children and adults.
She is currently spearheading research utilizing linked Medicaid and child welfare data in Florida to gain a deeper understanding of the living experiences of youth with autism — examining how and why they enter out-of-home placements, the services they utilize, and the systemic barriers they encounter.
Anderson’s research is among the first to document the distinct pathways that autistic youth navigate through systems designed for children. Additionally, she conducts national research on issues such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food insecurity, and unmet health care requirements.
The objective of Anderson’s comprehensive work is to guarantee that autism research transcends clinical environments and influences policies that affect economic stability, service availability, and family health.
Journalists seeking to interview Anderson regarding these less-known challenges associated with ASD can contact her via email at [email protected].
Kristy Anderson
Assistant Professor, College of Social Work
[email protected]
Autism spectrum disorder has emerged as a key topic in public awareness and is now more broadly recognized. Are there any aspects of ASD that you believe are insufficiently addressed?
“One area that remains significantly overlooked is the relationship between autism and social welfare. Despite the growing public consciousness of autism, a large portion of the research and discussion continues to center around clinical, educational, or developmental dimensions. We know considerably less about how financial difficulties, social policies, and safety net systems affect the daily lives of autistic individuals and their families. My research has revealed that families of autistic children and adults frequently experience high rates of financial stress and caregiver burdens, often navigating complex systems like Medicaid, SSI, and food assistance with minimal support. Food insecurity is emerging as an increasingly pressing issue, yet it receives scant focused attention in autism policies and studies. Consequently, families may struggle not solely due to the autism diagnosis, but rather as a result of inadequate coordinated social support.”
What do you think are the most remarkable advancements achieved in autism research recently, and what are some vital research areas where further information is still required?
“One of the most notable strides in autism research and practice has been the enhancement of early identification initiatives to incorporate historically underrepresented groups, including children from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, low-income families, and girls, who have often been overlooked in diagnostic pathways. These initiatives have helped alter the demographic composition of the recognized autistic population, yielding a more precise and inclusive understanding of those affected by autism.
“As the autistic community becomes more representative of the wider society, we need to raise new questions regarding how to effectively support subgroups that might encounter additional challenges. Moving forward, research must concentrate on understanding how social determinants of health — such as poverty, racism, and access to public benefits — influence service usage, caregiving stress, and long-term outcomes. There remains a vast amount we are unaware of regarding how systems like Medicaid, SSI, and child welfare interact with autism, particularly for families under economic strain. By examining these intersections, we can formulate more effective policies and interventions aimed at enhancing the lives of autistic individuals and their families.”
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