A new study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) has revealed that autistic individuals in the UK have a reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. However, the number of years of life lost may not be as high as previously reported. The findings, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, provide crucial insights into the life expectancy and years of life lost by autistic people in the UK.
The research team analyzed anonymized data from GP practices across the country, studying 17,130 individuals diagnosed as autistic without a learning disability, as well as 6,450 participants diagnosed as autistic with a learning disability. Comparisons were made with individuals of the same age and sex who had not been diagnosed as autistic.
The results indicated that autistic men without a learning disability had an average estimated life expectancy of 74.6 years, while autistic women without a learning disability had an average life expectancy of around 76.8 years. For those diagnosed with autism and a learning disability, the estimated life expectancy was approximately 71.7 years for men and 69.6 years for women. These figures are notably lower than the average life expectancy of 80 years for men and 83 years for women in the UK.
The study’s findings shed light on the urgent need to address the inequalities faced by autistic individuals, which contribute to their premature mortality rates. However, the research also challenges the commonly cited statistic that autistic people live on average 16 years less than their non-autistic counterparts.
Professor Josh Stott, the lead investigator of the study from UCL Psychology & Language Sciences, emphasized that autism itself does not directly lead to reduced life expectancy. Instead, the study highlights the importance of addressing health inequalities and ensuring appropriate support for autistic individuals. When provided with the right support, autistic people can lead long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
The researchers acknowledged that the study only focused on a fraction of the autistic population due to the low diagnosis rates among adults. Additionally, they speculated that the larger reduction in life expectancy among women diagnosed with autism and a learning disability may reflect a disproportionate underdiagnosis of these conditions in women.
Autistic individuals often face challenges related to social communication, social interaction, and repetitive behavioral patterns. The study underscores the need for inclusive and accommodating services that facilitate equal access to healthcare, employment, and local authority support.
Dr. Elizabeth O’Nions, joint-lead author of the study from UCL Psychology & Language Sciences, stressed the importance of recognizing autism as a natural variation in brain functioning. Society must create space and adapt services to accommodate the support needs of autistic individuals.
The research serves as a wake-up call to the government, healthcare professionals, and society as a whole to address the health inequalities faced by autistic people. Without increased investment, improved understanding, inclusion, and appropriate support and care, autistic individuals will continue to face reduced life expectancies and poorer health outcomes.
The study was funded by the Dunhill Medical Trust, Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health and Care Research, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. These findings highlight the necessity of ongoing research and support to improve the lives of autistic individuals and reduce health inequalities.
