The life expectancy for people with autism varies depending on several factors, including the presence of learning disabilities, gender, and access to healthcare and social support. On average, autistic individuals tend to have a shorter life expectancy compared to the general population, but this gap is influenced by many complex and interrelated issues.
Recent research indicates that autistic men without learning disabilities live on average into their mid-70s, around 74.6 years, while those with learning disabilities have a slightly lower average life expectancy of about 71.7 years. For autistic women, the average life expectancy is somewhat higher: approximately 76.8 years for those without learning disabilities and around 69.6 years for those with learning disabilities. These figures suggest that learning disabilities and gender both play significant roles in life expectancy outcomes for autistic people.
When compared to non-autistic individuals, autistic people generally live shorter lives. For example, in the UK, autistic individuals live on average to about 75 years, whereas non-autistic people live to around 81 years. This difference of roughly six years is notable and is thought to be influenced by a combination of genetic, health-related, and social factors.
One important aspect affecting life expectancy is the presence of co-occurring health conditions. Autistic individuals often face higher risks of physical health problems such as epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses. Mental health challenges, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, also contribute significantly to reduced life expectancy. Additionally, autistic adults have been found to have a higher risk of early-onset dementia.
Social factors play a crucial role as well. Many autistic adults experience barriers to accessing healthcare, including difficulties communicating their needs, sensory sensitivities in medical environments, and a lack of clinician understanding about autism in adulthood. These barriers can lead to delayed or inadequate treatment for health issues. Social isolation and stigma further exacerbate health risks, as strong social support is linked to better quality of life and improved health outcomes.
Another challenge is that a large proportion of autistic adults, especially those over 40, remain undiagnosed. Studies suggest that up to 90% of autistic adults in this age group have never received a formal diagnosis. This lack of diagnosis can prevent individuals from accessing appropriate healthcare, social services, and support networks, which are vital for managing health and wellbeing over the lifespan.
Despite these challenges, there are inspiring examples of autistic individuals living long and fulfilling lives. Donald Gray Triplett, the first person ever diagnosed with autism, lived to be 89 years old, far surpassing average life expectancy estimates. His life demonstrates that with adequate support, resilience, and understanding, many autistic people can enjoy longevity and quality of life.
The variability in life expectancy among autistic individuals highlights the importance of personalized care and support. Factors such as the severity of autism symptoms, presence of additional disabilities, lifestyle, and social environment all influence outcomes. Improving healthcare access, increasing awareness among medical professionals, reducing social stigma, and providing tailored social support can help narrow the life expectancy gap.
In summary, while autistic people on average have a somewhat reduced life expectancy compared to non-autistic people, this is not a fixed outcome. Advances in research, healthcare, and social inclusion hold promise for improving longevity and quality of life for autistic individuals across the globe.
