Andrea Robertson
Submitted photo
By Andrea Robertson | Lexie’s Voice
For many families, an autism diagnosis marks the beginning of a long, complex and expensive journey. Early intervention can make all the difference in a child’s ability to develop communication, social and life skills, yet countless children go undiagnosed for too long — especially girls, whose symptoms often go unrecognized.
Families not only struggle to find providers who understand their child’s needs, but they also face steep financial barriers to obtaining an official diagnosis and accessing specialized education. Without early identification, children miss out on critical resources, putting them at a lifelong disadvantage.
As the mother of a child with autism or autism spectrum disorder, I know this struggle all too well. My daughter, Lexie, was diagnosed late due to outdated beliefs about how autism presents in girls.
The road to getting her the support she needed was frustrating, expensive and filled with obstacles. That experience led me to found Lexie’s Voice, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Scottsdale that provides advocacy, resources and programs to promote independence, lifelong inclusion and meaningful community connections. Our mission is founded on the belief that every family deserves the opportunity to help their child live their best life free of financial constraints.
The impact of gender disparity in autism diagnosis
The gender gap in autism diagnosis remains a significant issue. Many health care professionals still rely on outdated diagnostic criteria based on how autism presents in boys, leading to missed or delayed diagnoses in girls.
When I first sought answers for Lexie, I was met with skepticism. I was told that “girls don’t have autism” or that her symptoms didn’t fit the standard mold. Research indicates that males are around three times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than females, partly due to a lack of understanding and recognition of the female autistic phenotype. Determined to get Lexie the support she needed, I navigated a complex and overwhelming system.
Why early diagnosis is key
While gender disparities have begun to improve, the consequences of these delays are profound. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the sooner they can access tailored support that helps them navigate the world. Without it, many children — especially girls — struggle unnecessarily, missing key developmental windows that could set them up for long-term success.
Early diagnosis is about more than just academics — it’s about giving children the skills they need to communicate, form relationships and function in their daily lives. The brain is most adaptable in early childhood, making intervention during these formative years crucial.
Lexie, who is nonverbal, has made incredible progress through specialized support, but it was a fight to get her there. Many children miss out on these life-changing opportunities simply because their families cannot afford the diagnostic process. In fact, studies have found that children of higher socioeconomic status are more likely to be both identified and diagnosed with ASD earlier compared with children from low-income families.
Removing financial barriers to support
Families often experience a double financial blow — first, the high cost of ASD evaluations, followed by the overwhelming expense of specialized education. These financial barriers often mean that only families with significant resources can access life-changing interventions. To alleviate this burden, Lexie's Voice donates to organizations like The Gentry Foundation for Autism and the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center to help cover these expenses. By ensuring all children, regardless of financial means, have access to early diagnosis, we can unlock the essential resources and funding they deserve.
It’s also necessary to shift the conversation about autism away from the idea that it is something to be “fixed.” Every autistic child has unique strengths and challenges, and our goal should be to provide them with the resources they need to thrive, not to change who they are. The autism spectrum is broad. Some children, like Lexie, are nonverbal and require intensive support, while others may need different accommodations. Every child deserves access to early intervention, regardless of financial means.
Next steps
We have the opportunity to create meaningful change by breaking down the financial and systemic barriers that prevent children from receiving early ASD diagnoses and the interventions that follow. Through Lexie’s Voice, we are committed to ensuring that every family has access to the resources they need to support their child’s development.
At the end of the day, every parent, grandparent and loved one deserves the opportunity to help their child live a well-rounded and fulfilling life — regardless of the circumstances.
Editor’s note: Andrea Robertson is the founder of Lexie’s Voice, a Scottsdale-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
