Behavior problems increase costs of care of children with intellectual disabilities

It is well known that communities face high costs in the care of individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Factors that influence those costs are less well studied. This study examined the relationship between behavioral problems and the costs of caring for children with ID. Parents/family carers of 109 children with ID were surveyed using a modified version of the Client Service Receipt Inventory and the Developmental Behaviour Checklist. Behavioral and emotional disturbance was associated with increased cost of care for parents of children with ID. Such results demonstrate that effective early intervention services aimed at redressing behavioral problems have the potential to reduce costs of care. However, such programs will also need to be affordable if they are to have adequate reach and adoption.