Tennessee Children With Autism Twice As Likely To Be Involved In Abuse Allegations

Tennessee children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were twice as likely to be involved in maltreatment allegations that were referred to the state's Child Abuse Hotline. About 17.3% of children with ASD were referred to the Child Abuse Hotline, compared to about 7.4% of typically developing children. The Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline accepts all reports of suspected child abuse and neglect.

These findings were reported in "A Population-Based Examination Of Maltreatment Referrals And Substantiation For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder" by Marisa H. Fisher, Richard A. Epstein, Richard C. Urbano, Alison Vehorn, Michael J. Cull, and . . .