When a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, many parents wonder what the future holds. One important and often concerning question is about autism life expectancy. Do autistic individuals have a shorter lifespan?
This article explores the latest research and scientific findings to help answer this critical question.
Is autism life expectancy lower than general population?
The sad truth is, yes. Life expectancy in autistic individuals is usually lower than that of neurotypical people. Research suggests that the average autism life expectancy is as low as 39 years.
According to a different study, the average autism life expectancy was around 54 years old. That’s still lower than the 72-year life expectancy for the general population.
Why is autism life expectancy lower
A shorter life expectancy was often accompanied by numerous other health problems.
During a 20-year study, it was determined that chronic conditions, like cancer and health complications from medicine side effects, heavily contributed to these younger deaths.
It’s important to understand that although autism life expectancy may be lower on average, research has not identified autism itself as the direct cause.
According to statistics from the National Autism Association, accidents are the leading cause of reduced autism life expectancy and contribute significantly to higher mortality rates among individuals on the spectrum.
Common reasons behind a shorter autism life span
People with autism do not inherently have a lower life expectancy due to their diagnosis. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction, communication, and behavior, but not directly impacting a person’s physical health or longevity.
However, several factors can contribute to potentially lower autism life expectancy than is the case with the general population. Some of them include:
- genetic disorders
- neurological disorders
- accidents
- mental health issues
- suicide
Genetic disorders
As discussed, numerous factors can lead to a lower life expectancy for autistic people than the general population. One of the major factors is genetic disorders.
According to Massachusetts General Hospital, 16 to 18 out of every 100 people with Down Syndrome also have autism spectrum disorders. Autistic people are also at an increased risk of other genetic disorders like muscular dystrophy and Fragile X syndrome.
Fragile X is a genetic condition associated with intellectual disability and behavioral challenges, and some individuals with Fragile X may exhibit features of autism.
While life expectancy is generally not significantly impacted by Fragile X, individuals may have co-occurring health conditions or challenges requiring management.
The co-occurrence of muscular dystrophy and autism, while relatively rare, is a complex and challenging situation for individuals and their families.
Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders that primarily affect the muscles, leading to progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.
These genetic disorders, coupled with autism spectrum disorder, can lead to a lower life expectancy for an autistic person. And that’s just one of many potential contributors.
Neurological disorders
On top of genetic disorders, research has found that people with autism are also at an increased risk of neurological disorders, such as:
- epilepsy,
- hydrocephalus,
- sleep disorders,
- gastrointestinal disorders.
Any of these, if left untreated, can lead to premature death. On their own, they certainly lead to an elevated mortality risk for autistic individuals.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that involves recurrent seizures. It is more common in individuals with autism than in the general population.
Seizures can risk a person’s safety, and uncontrolled epilepsy may contribute to health complications. However, with proper management, many individuals with epilepsy can lead full lives.
Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles. It can lead to increased pressure in the skull, potentially causing damage to brain tissue.
The co-occurrence of hydrocephalus and autism presents a complex medical situation. Depending on the severity and associated complications, individuals may require ongoing medical care and monitoring.
Sleep problems in people with autism are often related to sensory sensitivities, irregular sleep patterns, anxiety, and other factors.
Poor sleep can harm a person’s physical health, indirectly affecting life expectancy. It can lead to obesity, metabolic disturbances, and compromised immune function.
Accidents
While we must ask questions about potential disorders for our loved ones on the spectrum, accidents remain the number one reason for the lower autism life expectancy.
According to the National Autism Association, 48% of children with autism have wandered off from their families. These can increase the risk of accidents, especially if a child is particularly fond of water.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of premature death for autistic people.
Studies have found that people with autism are three times more likely to die because of injuries than the general population. While there are many reasons behind these tragic accidents, some are caused by sensory issues.
Sensory sensitivities in people with autism can make them more prone to sensory overload. This may increase the risk of accidents and injuries, especially in sensory-rich or overstimulating environments.
Communication challenges also pose a risk, as they hinder individuals’ ability to express pain, discomfort, or injuries. This can lead to delayed medical attention and treatment for injuries.
Mental health issues and suicide
Autistic people also have an increased risk of mental health issues. Those potential issues include:
- anxiety,
- depression,
- psychotic episodes, and
- trauma disorders.
Unfortunately, a higher risk of mental health issues also means a higher risk of suicide. A recent study found that risk increased further if the autistic person had what is considered to be a higher IQ.
The risk of suicide increased six times for those on the spectrum with an IQ of 120 or higher compared to those with a lower IQ.
Unfortunately, research shows that autistic people are six times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population and up to seven times more likely to die by suicide.
While many factors may cause suicidal thoughts, some of the most common reasons include:
- negative childhood experiences,
- loneliness,
- communication difficulties, and
- lack of support.
While autistic tendencies, such as hyper-focusing, may increase some of these factors, they’re more often influenced by social, political, and cultural factors.
Many people on the spectrum struggle with finding support and feelings of alienation and exclusion.
How can autism lifespan be raised?
What can be done to improve life expectancy in autism? Researchers say that it starts with both families and health care professionals.
Healthcare professionals often evaluate physical health, but they can also keep an eye on the mental health of autistic individuals.
While little can be done about genetic disorders, family members and doctors can help identify neurological disorders and devise a treatment plan.
One of my sons has been diagnosed with epilepsy and a sleep disorder. We worked out a plan that includes routines and medications necessary to help reduce the risk of both disorders, particularly seizures linked to epilepsy.
Family members can also step up to address mental health issues. While mental health can certainly affect someone’s self-esteem, anyone who recognizes anxiety or depression can step up to address the situation.
You may never know if you are addressing someone at a greater risk of suicide. However, addressing mental health in our social relationships can go a long way to extending the life expectancy of the population at large.
Family can also be more attentive to prevent accidents. It can be difficult if the child is an elopement risk or gets into every cabinet in the house.
However, taking precautions and being more attentive can reduce the risk of wandering, drowning, and accidentally ingesting a lethal dose of medication.
Why support matters more than ever
Sadly, the life expectancy for people with autism spectrum disorders is lower than that of the general population. Early mortality rates can be linked to several contributing factors, but family and healthcare providers can go a long way in addressing the higher risk of earlier death.
Autism is not the cause of the lower life expectancy, and those of us who love someone with autism spectrum disorder can step in and help them in their times of need.
FAQs
Q: Does autism affect life expectancy?
A: Autism itself does not have a direct impact on life expectancy. However, some individuals with autism may have co-occurring health conditions that can affect their lifespan. Focusing on overall health and well-being is essential rather than attributing life expectancy solely to autism.
Q: What is the life expectancy of individuals with autism?
A: On average, individuals with autism have a shorter life expectancy than the general population, often living into their 50s or 60s. This reduced lifespan is linked to factors like co-occurring conditions, accidents, and limited access to healthcare.
Q: How long do autistic people live?
A: Autistic individuals typically live 16 to 20 years less than neurotypical people, with some studies estimating an average lifespan of around 54 years. However, life expectancy can vary greatly depending on support, health, and living conditions.
Q: What is the average nonverbal autism lifespan?
A: People with nonverbal autism may face more medical and safety challenges, potentially leading to a lower average lifespan, estimated in some studies to be under 40 years. The exact number varies and depends on individual circumstances, healthcare access, and the presence of other conditions.
References
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