Mentor/s
Dr. Rui Lui
Participation Type
Poster
Abstract
This study explores the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and lower poverty status to assist in the understanding of socioeconomic challenges faced by adults on the spectrum. The purpose of this research is to investigate whether ASD is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing poverty. Using an observational cross-sectional analysis of 2021 National Health Interview Child Survey data, we examined total combined family income and ASD diagnosis. The study included 5,134 participants of various races and socioeconomic statuses aged 2-17, 175 of which responded “Yes” to the question of ever receiving a diagnosis of ASD. The findings reveal a statistically significant positive correlation between ASD and poverty with a p-value of 0.024. These results could suggest systemic barriers, including limited access to education, employment, and various other support and treatment services. Future research should further focus specifically on adults diagnosed with ASD and include addressing policy reforms and improving access to the necessary support services needed for adults. Addressing these socioeconomic barriers is critical to fostering equity and enhancing the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum.
College and Major available
Health Science
Academic Level
Undergraduate student
Location
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building University Commons
Start Day/Time
4-25-2025 12:00 PM
End Day/Time
4-25-2025 2:00 PM
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Prize Categories
Most Scholarly Impact or Potential
The Intersection of Autism and Poverty: Socioeconomic Status of Adults on the Spectrum
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building University Commons
This study explores the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and lower poverty status to assist in the understanding of socioeconomic challenges faced by adults on the spectrum. The purpose of this research is to investigate whether ASD is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing poverty. Using an observational cross-sectional analysis of 2021 National Health Interview Child Survey data, we examined total combined family income and ASD diagnosis. The study included 5,134 participants of various races and socioeconomic statuses aged 2-17, 175 of which responded “Yes” to the question of ever receiving a diagnosis of ASD. The findings reveal a statistically significant positive correlation between ASD and poverty with a p-value of 0.024. These results could suggest systemic barriers, including limited access to education, employment, and various other support and treatment services. Future research should further focus specifically on adults diagnosed with ASD and include addressing policy reforms and improving access to the necessary support services needed for adults. Addressing these socioeconomic barriers is critical to fostering equity and enhancing the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Students' Information
Chloe Skene, Healthcare Administration, Honors, 2025
Joseph Franzini, Healthcare Administration, 2025
Riley Kendall, Healthcare Administration, 2025
Lindsay Doncaster, Global Health, 2025