What is the life expectancy of a person with autism?

There is no single life expectancy for people with autism. The life expectancy of a person with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the disorder, the individual's access to care and support, and the presence of any other medical conditions.

Life expectancy for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who do not have significant intellectual disabilities or medical problems is typically comparable to that of the general population. Life expectancy for people with more severe autism spectrum disorder is greatly affected by the presence of intellectual disability, co-occurring medical problems, and severity of autistic characteristics requiring care and support. This has been studied and published since the 1980s.

Studies have suggested that people with autism may have a shorter life expectancy than the general population. For example, a 2014 study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry found that people with autism had a life expectancy of 39 years, compared to 72 years for the general population. However, it is important to note that this study was based on a small sample size and may not be representative of the entire population of people with autism.

Another 2014 study published in the journal Autism Research found that people with autism had a life expectancy of 61 years, which was lower than the life expectancy of the general population but higher than the life expectancy reported in the JAMA Psychiatry study. This study also found that the life expectancy of people with autism was significantly lower if they had intellectual disabilities or other medical conditions.

Overall, the life expectancy of a person with autism can vary widely depending on a number of factors. It is important to note that the life expectancy of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has improved significantly in recent years due to advances in care and support.