Autism Life Expectancy

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect people in multiple ways. Common symptoms include difficulties with communication and social interactions, as well as restrictive interests, repetitive behaviors and/or sensory sensitivities.

Parents of children with autism are always concerned about what they can do to best help support them. Many opt for applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy, which is considered the gold standard of treatment options for children on the autism spectrum.

As a science- and evidence-based approach to learning and behavior, ABA therapy can help children with autism build these communication and social interaction skills with which they commonly struggle. They can also learn replacement behaviors that can be more helpful to them.

At the same time that parents are concerned about how to support their children from a learning and behavior standpoint, many also wonder about what the typical life expectancy might be for their child.

Below, we’ll discuss what the autism life expectancy is.

Table Of Contents

Does Autism Affect Life Expectancy?

As a neurodevelopmental disorder, autism doesn’t have a direct effect on life expectancy. That being said, some conditions that are associated with autism can affect how long a person might live.

To that point, a Denmark-based study that was conducted in 2008¹ found that people who had autism had a mortality risk that was almost double what it was for other individuals.

The study also found that people on the autism spectrum succumb to complications from health issues anywhere from 15 through 20 years earlier than others typically do.

It’s generally accepted that the more severe a case of autism a person has, the shorter their life expectancy usually is. The average life expectancy for people on the autism spectrum ranges anywhere from 39 years old to 58 years old — which is a lot less than the average life expectancy in the United States, which was about 77 years old as of 2022.

People who have level 1 autism, according to the DSM-5, have the longest life expectancy, which is usually only slightly less than the general population’s life expectancy. People with level 2 autism have a life expectancy of between 50 and 60 years, while people with level 3 autism — the most severe — have a life expectancy between 35 and 50 years.

Others claim there is no correlation between the severity of autism and life expectancy².

What Health Issues Affect People with Autism?

As mentioned, the reason why people on the autism spectrum have a lower life expectancy is that they commonly face health issues. While the specific health challenges that a person with autism might face can vary significantly, some of the most common issues are epilepsy, mental health conditions, abnormalities in the immune system and gastrointestinal disorders.

All of these health challenges are considered comorbidities with autism, which can contribute to a lower life expectancy. In addition, the fact that many people on the autism spectrum have challenges accessing the appropriate health care they need also contributes to this lower lifespan.

There are also environmental and situational factors that affect life expectancy. These include things such as difficulties with living independently, unemployment and deficits with social skills. All of these things can greatly affect how a person navigates their daily life, including establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships as well as finding the support they need.

How Can ABA Therapy Help?

As a behavioral and learning treatment plan, ABA therapy can’t address any of the physical ailments that people with autism might face in their life. However, it can address some of the other challenges that might lead to a shorter lifespan.

A big part of ABA therapy is helping people with autism build the skills they need to live an independent life. This includes improving their communication and social skills, being able to handle daily activities on their own, and better managing their emotions and behaviors in positive ways.

In doing so, ABA therapy can help people with ASD feel more confident in themselves and equip them with the tools necessary to do things such as obtain and maintain a job, make friends and seek the support they need.

All of this can play a role in helping people with autism not only live longer but also live a happier life.

Trust Blue Gems ABA with Your Child’s Support

While autism itself doesn’t directly affect life expectancy, people on the autism spectrum generally have a lower lifespan than the general population. There are many physical, environmental and mental factors that play a role in this, some of which can be addressed and some of which cannot.

At Blue Gems ABA, our team of experienced BCBAs works hard every day to help support children on the autism spectrum, equipping them with the skills and tools they need to live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. We do this by crafting ABA therapy treatment plans that are specifically catered to each individual’s unique strengths and challenges, which helps improve outcomes.

To learn more, please contact us today.

References

1. https://nationalautismassociation.org/resources/autism-safety-facts/
2. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-life-expectancy/