Does Autism Shorten Your Lifespan?

Autism

Explore if autism shortens lifespan, the factors affecting this, and strategies to enhance quality of life.

Steven Zauderer

June 27, 2024

10 min read

min read

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects many individuals and their families. This section delves into the definition and characteristics of autism, its prevalence, and the factors influencing its onset.

Definition and Characteristics

Autism is a developmental disability that typically emerges in early childhood, specifically under the age of three. It is characterized by impairments in social interactions, abnormalities in speech, and stereotyped patterns of behaviors. These factors can impact the individual's ability to communicate and interact with others, which can persist throughout their lifetime.

Every individual with autism is unique and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some individuals may require substantial support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

Prevalence and Onset

The prevalence of autism has seen a significant increase over the past few decades. In the 1980s, autism was estimated to affect 4-5 per 10,000 children. This number jumped to 30-60 cases per 10,000 children in the 1990s. By 2006, it was estimated that autism affected 9.0 per 1000 children aged 8 years, or about 1 in every 110 children [1].

Year	Prevalence of Autism
1980s	4-5 per 10,000 children
1990s	30-60 per 10,000 children
2004	8.0 per 1000 children aged 8 years
2006	9.0 per 1000 children aged 8 years

As for the onset of autism, it is influenced by multiple factors. Advanced parental age, particularly paternal age, has been identified as one of the most important risk factors for autism. Additionally, maternal viral infections in the first trimester of pregnancy such as rubella, measles, mumps, influenza, herpes, and cytomegalovirus, can increase the risk of autism in embryos [1].

Understanding the prevalence and onset of autism is crucial in addressing the question, "Does autism shorten your lifespan?" It sets the foundation for exploring the impact of ASD on lifespan, health implications, and the factors affecting life expectancy in individuals with autism.

Health Implications of Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not just a neurological condition that impacts social interaction and communication, but it also has implications on the overall health and well-being of individuals. This section explores the mortality rates, co-occurring medical conditions, and mental health challenges that are often associated with ASD.

Mortality Rates

One of the most significant health implications of ASD is its impact on mortality rates. Studies have shown that individuals with ASD experience higher mortality rates than the general population. According to JAMA Pediatrics, both natural and unnatural causes of death are increased among persons with ASD. Moreover, a study published in PubMed reveals that the life expectancy of individuals with ASD is 20 to 36 years shorter than that of the general population.

Population	Life Expectancy Difference
General Population	0 years
Autism Spectrum Disorder	-20 to -36 years

Co-occurring Medical Conditions

ASD is often associated with a range of co-occurring medical conditions. As cited in NCBI, autistic adults are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, such as seizure disorders, hypertension, and allergies. In fact, many common chronic health conditions are significantly more common in autistic adults than in non-autistic peers.

Health ConditionsMore common in ASDSeizure DisordersYesHypertensionYesAllergiesYes

Mental Health Challenges

In addition to physical health issues, individuals with ASD often face mental health challenges. These include anxiety, bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, and schizophrenic disorder. Furthermore, autistic adults frequently demonstrate behaviors of concern, such as aggression, property destruction, disruptive behavior, and self-injurious behavior, which may further interrupt their ability to access appropriate healthcare.

Health Conditions	More common in ASD
Seizure Disorders	Yes
Hypertension	Yes
Allergies	Yes

These health implications underscore the importance of providing comprehensive care and support for individuals with ASD. This includes not only addressing their developmental and behavioral needs but also their physical and mental health issues. Advocacy for improved health care services and social support is critical to enhance the quality of life and longevity of individuals with ASD.

Factors Affecting Life Expectancy

Life expectancy is influenced by a myriad of factors, including health, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and demographic characteristics. In individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), these factors can have a significant impact on lifespan.

Impact of ASD on Lifespan

Studies have shown that individuals with ASD experience increased morbidity and a decreased life expectancy compared to the general population, with a life expectancy that is between 20 and 36 years shorter. This reduction in lifespan can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the increased susceptibility of autistic adults to physical, mental, and social health issues compared to non-autistic individuals.

Autistic adults are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, such as seizure disorders, hypertension, and allergies. They also commonly experience mental health difficulties, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, and schizophrenic disorder. Furthermore, behaviors of concern, such as aggression, property destruction, disruptive behavior, and self-injurious behavior, may further interrupt their ability to access appropriate healthcare [2].

Moreover, individuals with ASD or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently die of preventable natural causes and unnatural causes, such as cardiac events, unintentional injury, and suicide. This calls for widespread recognition and the implementation of systematic screening and preventive approaches [4].

Racial Disparities

Research has shown that there are racial disparities in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of individuals with ASD. However, there is a lack of direct evidence linking racial disparities to a shortened lifespan in individuals with ASD. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of racial disparities on the life expectancy of individuals with ASD.

Socioeconomic Influences

Socioeconomic factors can also influence the life expectancy of individuals with ASD. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may have less access to quality healthcare, early intervention services, and resources for managing ASD. This lack of access can exacerbate health conditions and lead to poorer outcomes.

In summary, the question of "does autism shorten your lifespan" is complex and influenced by a multitude of factors. The impact of ASD on lifespan, racial disparities, and socioeconomic influences all play a role in determining life expectancy for individuals with ASD. It's crucial for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to be aware of these factors and work towards addressing health inequalities and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with ASD.

Access to Healthcare Services

Access to healthcare services is a critical issue for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Several factors play a role in the quality of treatment and support these individuals receive, including disparities in diagnosis and treatment, challenges faced by autistic adults, and the stigma associated with autism.

Disparities in Diagnosis and Treatment

There is a significant disparity in the availability of healthcare services for individuals with ASD, especially for those living outside metropolitan areas. Due to a shortage of specialists, these families often face long wait times for diagnosis and treatment. If care is not available in their local community, families may choose not to seek care due to additional costs and disruption to daily obligations.

Furthermore, many physicians lack the specialized knowledge required to screen, diagnose, and refer individuals with ASD. Medical students and physicians often report insufficient training on treating autistic individuals, highlighting a need for improved education for medical professionals about ASD, particularly for severe symptoms, effective communication, and accommodating sensory challenges.

Healthcare Challenges for Autistic Adults

The cost of healthcare for individuals with ASD can be prohibitively high, and recommended services may not be covered by insurance plans, especially for families with lower socioeconomic status. However, insurance coverage has been shown to increase healthcare service utilization.

Reduced awareness of ASD and associated services is more common among groups with a lower socioeconomic status, less education, and limited access to health professionals. Enhancing knowledge about ASD within these communities is crucial and can be influenced by situational and social factors.

Stigma and Healthcare Utilization

Stigma surrounding autism can contribute to feelings of rejection and isolation among parents of autistic children and can deter individuals with ASD from engaging with the healthcare system at all stages of life. This stigma can impact access to diagnosis and treatment services, especially for racial/ethnic minorities and immigrants [5].

Initiatives aimed at reducing stigma around ASD, such as introducing a Muppet with autism on Sesame Street, have been effective in increasing knowledge, acceptance, and inclusion of autistic children. Efforts like these, that promote understanding and acceptance of autism, play a significant role in improving the accessibility and utilization of healthcare services for individuals with ASD.

Addressing Health Inequalities

Health inequalities experienced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are a growing concern. These individuals face increased morbidity and decreased life expectancy compared to the general population, with a life expectancy that is between 20 and 36 years shorter [3]. Therefore, concerted efforts must be made to support autistic individuals, emphasize the importance of early intervention, and enhance their quality of life.

Supporting Autistic Individuals

Supporting autistic individuals involves understanding and addressing their unique health needs. Autistic adults have an increased susceptibility to physical, mental, and social health issues compared to non-autistic individuals. They are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, such as seizure disorders, hypertension, and allergies. They also commonly experience mental health difficulties, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, and schizophrenic disorder [2].

Furthermore, many common chronic health conditions are significantly more common in autistic adults than in non-autistic peers. This includes behaviors of concern, such as aggression, property destruction, disruptive behavior, and self-injurious behavior, which may further interrupt their ability to access appropriate healthcare.

To address these health inequalities, healthcare providers need to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively support autistic individuals. This includes providing comprehensive services that address both physical and mental healthcare needs, which are often higher in autistic adults compared to non-autistic individuals [2].

Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention plays a vital role in improving the health outcomes of individuals with ASD. Many individuals with ASD frequently die of preventable natural causes and unnatural causes, such as cardiac events, unintentional injury, and suicide. This calls for widespread recognition and the implementation of systematic screening and preventive approaches.

For example, ADHD diagnosis is associated with a more than 4-fold increase in the risk of mortality by midlife (age 45 years) in adulthood, which can be mitigated with early and appropriate treatment. Likewise, adults with ADHD who go untreated for each 4-year interval have a risk for early mortality that is twice that of typical adults.

Enhancing Quality of Life

Beyond addressing physical and mental health needs, there is an urgent need to enhance the quality of life for autistic individuals. This involves not only providing necessary healthcare services but also creating supportive and inclusive environments that allow autistic individuals to thrive.

Primary healthcare needs further support for autistic adults, as it is the first point of referral and plays a vital role in managing the health services they access and receive.

Moreover, proactive measures should be taken to reduce the stigma associated with autism and improve societal understanding of this condition. This can be achieved through educational initiatives, advocacy efforts, and policies aimed at promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for autistic individuals.

By addressing health inequalities, supporting early intervention, and enhancing the quality of life, we can help to improve the lifespan and well-being of individuals with autism.

Research and Implications

The relationship between autism and lifespan has been extensively studied. These studies explore diverse aspects, including life expectancy, health inequalities, and the need for improved support.

Studies on Life Expectancy

Research has shown that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience increased morbidity and a decreased life expectancy compared to the general population. In fact, according to a study cited by PubMed, the life expectancy of individuals with ASD is estimated to be between 20 and 36 years shorter than the general population.

These findings raise concerns about the physical and mental health needs of autistic adults, who have been found to have higher health needs compared to non-autistic individuals. Autistic adults are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, such as seizure disorders, hypertension, and allergies. They also commonly experience mental health difficulties, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, and schizophrenic disorder.

Health Inequalities in the UK

Recent studies conducted in the UK have highlighted the health inequalities faced by autistic individuals. Autistic people in the UK were found to be more likely to die prematurely. However, it should be noted that the widely reported statistic that autistic people live 16 years less on average is likely to be incorrect.

The study further revealed that autistic adults in the UK continue to face health inequalities due to a lack of understanding, barriers to vital services, inadequate care, and poorer mental and physical health outcomes. In particular, autistic women with learning disabilities were found to be at risk of reduced life expectancy [6].

Call for Improved Support

The studies underscore the urgent need for improved support for autistic individuals. Autistic adults frequently demonstrate behaviors of concern, such as aggression, property destruction, disruptive behavior, and self-injurious behavior, which may further interrupt their ability to access appropriate healthcare.

The research implications are clear: without investment, improved understanding, inclusion, and the correct level of support and care, autistic individuals are at risk of reduced life expectancy. This is particularly the case for autistic women with learning disabilities.

These findings underscore the need to address the question, 'does autism shorten your lifespan', and to take proactive steps to improve the health outcomes and quality of life for autistic individuals. This includes efforts to reduce health disparities, provide accessible and inclusive healthcare services, and promote understanding and acceptance of autism in society.