  Accepting the diagnosis of ASD is a difficult first step, and should be followed by a coherent strategy to find funding for your ABA program and retaining it. ABA is not cheap, with the cost projected to be between $40,000 to $100,000 per year, and it often goes beyond one year. That's a lot for any one family to shoulder, and navigating the system for funding is crucial. The variability in cost depends on the quality of the ABA provider, the number of treatment hours a specific child requires, the child's geographical location, and the treatment model.
The return on such investment is significant. The cost of providing intensive ABA for a young child with autism is minimal considering the gains that can be achieved. After about 2 years of ABA, research predicts substantial cost reductions for most children - significantly lowered or elimination of continuing special expenditures for many. In contrast, a poorly treated low functioning autistic child may require life-long specialized services to accommodate a severe disability - runs into millions of dollars for each individual. Competent, early, intensive behavioral intervention can offer the hope of unprecedented gains for both children and taxpayers. Estimated savings per child to age 22 are about $200,000; to age 55, $1,000,000. (Read the study at www.behavior.org )
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