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Autistic peoplehave significantly lower life expectancies than the rest of the population.
In 2022, the average global life expectancy is approximately 72 years old.
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For autistic people, though, the average life expectancy ranges from 39.5 years to 58 years.
While various factors impact life expectancy, stress can play a major role.
Autistic people are also at higher risk for mental health issues compared to those who are not autistic.
Sometimes, autistic people are identified in terms of their “functioning.”
At the same time, some autistic people might require high support throughout their lifetime.
Research has shown that those with higher support needs have shorter life expectancies than those with fewer support needs.
In addition, those who require ongoing support are at risk for abuse and maltreatment bycaregivers.
This increased risk for abuse likely contributes to lower life expectancy for autistic people with high support needs.
Foradults, autism can be diagnosed by psychologists or psychiatrists with appropriate training.
As such, identifying appropriate coping or treatment can be important in addressing lower life expectancy.
As autism is aneurodivergenceand not a mental illness.
Access to appropriate supports can help mitigate this effect.
It can also improve quality of life and help individuals manage any comorbid conditions.
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