An update on autism: Science, gender, and the law

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability today, affecting boys more than girls at a rate of 4 to 1. Research is currently under way to identify possible genetic implications and to develop appropriate treatments. Early intervention is recommended, but the cost of these therapies is high and often not covered by insurance policies. Families who turn to their public school district for assistance generally find that schools are insufficiently funded to meet the needs of children with autism, prompting parents to use the courts to obtain proper care and treatment. In several states, legislation is being introduced to require insurers to cover the cost of services or to provide vouchers to families for such services. On the national level, the Combating Autism Act of 2005 has been proposed to provide funds for treatment. Autism affects the legal system not only through legal actions for treatment access, but also because autistic individuals are more likely to have contact with law enforcement, either as crime victims or defendants, and to appear before the courts for family issues, including adult guardianship.