• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

FASD The Course > Module 7: Costs of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders > 9. Total Lifetime Cost of FAS

Please Select One 1. Module Description 2. Learning Objectives 3. Pretest 4. Introduction 5. Data Sources 6. Issues in Estimating the Cost of FAS 7. Annual Costs of FAS 8. Cost Estimates for Other Countries 9. Total Lifetime Cost of FAS 10. State and Local Cost Information 11. Gaps in Knowledge About the Cost of FAS 12. Research Needs 13. Matching Activity 14. Posttest 15. References 16. Congratulatons!

< Previous Next >

Module 7: Costs of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Total Lifetime Cost of FAS

The literature contains two well-documented estimates of the total lifetime cost for a person with FAS. Harwood and Napolitano⁵ estimated lifetime cost at $596,000 in 1980. If this estimate is adjusted for the change in the cost of medical care services, lost productivity, and inflation, the adjusted 2002 cost becomes $2 million for each individual with FAS. This figure is made up of $1.6 million for medical treatment, special education, and residential care for persons with mental retardation, and $0.4 million for productivity losses.

In February 1989, the Senate Advisory Council of the Alaska State Legislature⁶ estimated the 1988 lifetime cost of each baby born with FAS at $1.4 million. This estimate adapted the approach used by Harwood and Napolitano. It is considered conservative because of excluded costs, such as welfare payments and mental health services.

< Previous Next >