Final answer:
The cost of untreated autism includes a range of social, health, and economic impacts such as lost productivity, increased healthcare expenses, and support services, while early interventions are crucial for mitigating the disorder's effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cost of untreated autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), pertains to a wide range of potential social, health, and economic impacts. While the exact cost can vary and is difficult to quantify, it generally includes lost productivity, increased healthcare expenses, and additional support services for individuals with autism and their families. These costs are borne by individuals, families, and society as a whole. Without treatment, which often encompasses behavioral therapies and interventions, along with medications to address associated disorders like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, the symptoms of ASD might not improve and can significantly affect quality of life. Early interventions are crucial, as they can help mitigate the effects of the disorder, but it is important to note that there is currently no cure for ASD.