As practitioners, making data-driven decisions is crucial to providing the best outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A recent systematic review titled "The cost-effectiveness of treatments for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents" offers valuable insights into the economic value of various interventions. This blog summarizes key findings and suggests ways to implement these insights into practice.
Key Findings
- ADHD Interventions: The review identified ten studies on ADHD, most of which evaluated pharmacotherapy. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (MPH) and non-stimulant medications such as guanfacine extended-release (GXR-ER) were found to be cost-effective, especially for children with suboptimal responses to initial treatments. Behavioral parenting interventions were also supported as cost-effective for younger children.
- ASD Interventions: For ASD, two studies were reviewed. Early intervention programs targeting suspected ASD were cost-effective, while communication-focused therapies for preschool children showed non-significant improvements in outcomes and higher costs.
Implementation Strategies
Based on these findings, practitioners can enhance their practice by:
- Adopting Evidence-Based Interventions: Prioritize interventions with proven cost-effectiveness, such as stimulant and non-stimulant medications for ADHD and early intervention programs for ASD.
- Holistic Cost Consideration: When evaluating new interventions, consider both direct and indirect costs, including caregiver productivity losses and long-term societal impacts.
- Further Research: Encourage more studies that include broader perspectives, such as societal impacts, and longer time horizons to capture the full economic value of interventions.
Encouraging Further Research
Despite the valuable insights, the review highlights gaps in current research, such as the lack of long-term data and comprehensive cost perspectives. Practitioners are encouraged to advocate for and participate in research that addresses these gaps to inform better decision-making.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The cost-effectiveness of treatments for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review.
