Study finds mothers of autistic children earn less
April 5, 2012
Autism is a condition that affects millions of families in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one out of every 88 children is now diagnosed with the condition, which includes a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.
While having a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging for families, a new study has found that mothers of autistic children earn significantly less than those who have kids with no medical problems.
According to HealthDay News, mothers of children with autism earned an average of $21,000 a year less than other moms, according to researchers from the Center for Autism Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. That's 56 percent less than mothers whose children had no health limitations and 35 percent less than mothers whose children had other health limitations.
"The study isn't surprising for families who live with autism every day," Peter Bell, of the advocacy group Autism Speaks, told the news source. "When their child is diagnosed with autism, it is a game changer."
The study also found that moms who have children with autism are 6 percent less likely to be employed, and work an average of seven hours less per week than mothers of children without any type of physical, emotional or mental disability.
"Our results suggest a significant economic burden for families of children with ASD, especially for mothers," said Dr. Zuleyha Cidav, the study's lead author. "Mothers are often the primary caregiver and decision maker, and therefore have to devote considerable personal resources to obtaining health care services for their children; it is not surprising that, because of these additional responsibilities, these women are less likely to work, work fewer hours per week, and earn substantially less than mothers of children with no health limitation."
While families of an autistic child are urged to seek help in getting the best care available, moms who want to increase their earning potential may consider pursuing a college degree.
According to a recent U.S. Census Bureau report, individuals whose highest degree was a bachelor's degree had an average annual salary of $58,000 in 2010, compared to $31,000 for those who only completed high school.
Mothers who need a flexible schedule can choose to pursue their degree through an online program in order to better balance the demands of their family with their education.
And, regardless of where they decide to obtain their degree, they can help make paying for their college education easier by utilizing grants for parents and various college scholarships.
