Autism, a challenge that tests healthcare but also the entire country system
Building a community of care means integrating health, school and welfare in a long-term vision, capable of supporting families and enhancing people's potential throughout their lives
World Autism Awareness Day is an opportunity to reflect on a condition that now affects a significant proportion of the child and adolescent population. Cases have not 'exploded' over the last 20 years: the ability to recognise autism spectrum disorders early, the accuracy of diagnostic criteria and the organisation of services have all grown.
Estimates indicate that approximately one in one hundred children worldwide, and one in 77 in Italy in the 7-9 year age group, falls into the autistic spectrum, with an incidence in males more than four times higher than in females, in line with what is observed in other high-income countries.
Resources in no particular order
These numbers have direct consequences on health, school and social systems. In Italia there is still no unitary expenditure item dedicated to autism: resources are distributed between health, school, social services and disability policies, making an overall estimate of investments difficult. National strategies, regional plans, updating of the Essential Levels of Care (Lea) and measures for inclusion have increased institutional attention, but interventions remain uneven across the territory.
Getting out of the logic of emergency
The OECD 2026 Report emphasises how the increase in diagnoses shifts the issue from an emergency logic to the need to organise care systems structurally. More children and adolescents intercepted means greater demand for specialist assessments, early intervention, economic support, school support and dedicated social services. In many countries, the capacity to respond is not growing at the same rate: there are long waiting lists, a shortage of professionals and fragmented pathways, with a heavier impact on families with fewer resources. The OECD estimates monthly costs between about USD 200 and over USD 3,000 for moderate needs, up to USD 5,000-7,000 in the most complex cases.
Networking
In this scenario, paediatric hospitals are called upon to play a central role not only in diagnosis and treatment, but also in planning services and promoting a culture of inclusion. Autism requires care paths that accompany the child throughout life, without interruptions in crucial transitions, such as that from paediatric to adult age. Networking with the territory, schools, social services and associations is essential to prevent families from having to face an often high organisational and economic burden alone.
