According to a recent CDC report, about 1 in 68 children in the US has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parents of children with ASD consistently report greater stress levels, caregiving burden and depression than parents of typically developing children. This chronic stress is associated with poorer physical health including more pain, more disruptions from physical-health problems and lower overall health-related quality of life. 

The findings of a recent study show that whether formal (provided by health or social services professionals) or informal (provided by significant others, friends and family, social support can significantly reduce stress, improve the child's outcome, and help maintain an optimal family environment in the long run.  Arguably, the most powerful tool  available right now to make a difference in the lives of children with ASD is early identification but many children may not be getting identified as early as they could be. Research suggests targeted strategies are needed to identify and address barriers in order to lower the age at which specifically black and Hispanic children are evaluated, diagnosed, and connected to the services they need because black and Hispanic children typically receive developmental evaluations later than white children.