Bill Overview
Title: Autism Family Caregivers Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes a pilot program to provide training for caregivers on improving health and other outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities or delays. To carry out the program, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) must award grants to, among other eligible entities, health systems and nonprofits to provide the training. HRSA must also provide technical assistance to grant recipients and evaluate the program.
Sponsors: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Target Audience
Population: People caring for children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The pilot program is focused on improving outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities or delays.
- According to CDC estimates, approximately 1 in 36 (about 2.8%) children in the US is identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Globally, a similar prevalence is often reported, with variability based on country and diagnostic criteria.
- The program also targets caregivers, which suggests that family members, parents, and guardians will be directly impacted.
- Studies show that each child with autism generally has at least one primary caregiver, which could be up to two or more individuals including parents and other family members.
- The program is limited to certain locations as it is a pilot, which means impacts may not be felt uniformly across the country or internationally.
Reasoning
- The Autism Family Caregivers Act of 2022 targets caregivers of children with autism and other developmental disorders, so interviews will emphasize their perspectives.
- Caregivers face significant challenges in managing care responsibilities, balancing work, and maintaining personal well-being, which are addressed through training supports.
- Without the policy, many caregivers might continue to struggle with high stress levels, potentially affecting their overall well-being and the quality of care provided.
- The budget constraints and pilot program nature mean only a fraction of the estimated 2 million caregivers will likely be impacted initially, focusing interviews on diversity in impact.
- Given that the program might not reach every caregiver immediately, some simulated individuals will show 'none' or 'low' impact based on geographic and eligibility limitations.
- The policy's assistance and training focus suggest potential for medium to high impact on caregiving efficiency and caregiver mental health, translating into improved Cantril scores over time.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (New York, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I constantly feel overwhelmed managing my child's needs along with my job.
- The training from this program could really help me understand how to provide better care.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Software Engineer (Indianapolis, IN)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We already have some resources but a structured training could save valuable time and stress.
- Balancing work and care is challenging; more effective strategies would be appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Stay-at-Home Mother (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We desperately need any help available to care for my grandchild.
- The program sounds like it could alleviate some of our daily stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Freelance Graphic Designer (Austin, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's sometimes difficult to find the right techniques to help my sibling develop.
- I'm curious and hopeful about what specific training can offer us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Medical Assistant (Chicago, IL)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Navigating care systems can be a mess; structured guidance would be very welcome.
- I have a decent support network, but more specialized training is always a plus.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Farmer (Rural Kansas)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's hard to find the right type of help around here.
- Training would be new, and a potentially life-changing resource.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Nurse (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The training could help specifically in raising a child with unique needs.
- Being a nurse helps, but the stress at home and work is still considerable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (Seattle, WA)
Age: 56 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've learned to adapt, but professional training would refine my approach.
- I am very interested in this program's potential benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our family really needs support and guidance often missing in rural areas.
- I remain hopeful about new opportunities this program could provide.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Tech Employee (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- San Francisco has some resources, but specialized training is not as available as you'd expect.
- The training promised by the policy could ease the pressure of managing two worlds.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 3: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The effectiveness of the pilot in improving outcomes for children with neurological disorders is a critical uncertainty.
- Long-term benefits may not be observable until after the pilot ends, affecting perceived cost-effectiveness.