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Autistic lifespans are longer than previously thought but still years shorter than the general population, a new study reveals.
The research found that on average participants with autism lost between 5-13 years of their expected life, likely due to a lack of support from the healthcare system.
This new study, by University College London, is the first to estimate the life expectancy and years of life lost by autistic people living in the UK.
Although this is less than the often quoted 16, it is still a shocking statistic that needs to be studied further, they say.
Professor Josh Stott said: “Autism itself does not, to our knowledge, directly reduce life expectancy, but we know that autistic people experience health inequalities, meaning that they often don’t get the support and help that they need when they need it.
“We wanted to explore whether this impacted the average life expectancy for diagnosed autistic people living in the UK.
“Our findings show that some autistic people were dying prematurely, which impacted the overall life expectancy.
“However, we know that when they have the right support, many autistic people live long, healthy and happy lives.
“Although our findings show important inequalities, we were concerned about frightening statistics that are often quoted, and it is important to provide more realistic information.
“We do need to find out why some autistic people are dying prematurely so that we can identify ways to prevent this from happening.”
To get their results, the team used data from GP practices to study people who received an autism diagnosis between 1989 to 2019.
This included 17,130 people diagnosed as autistic without a learning disability and 6,450 participants diagnosed as autistic with a learning disability.
The researchers found that autistic men without a learning disability had an average estimated life expectancy of 74.6 years, and autistic women without a learning disability, around 76.8 years.
Meanwhile, the estimated life expectancy for people diagnosed with autism and a learning disability was around 71.7 years for men and 69.6 years for women.
These figures compare to the usual life expectancy of around 80 years for men and 83 years for women living in the UK.
The findings provide the first evidence that autistic people were more likely to die prematurely in the UK across this period.
Dr. Elizabeth O’Nions said: “Autistic people are rightly and increasingly pushing for recognition that autism reflects natural and expected variation in how brains function, and that society must make space for all.
“This means that services must be inclusive and accommodating of those who have particular support needs by adapting how they operate.
“We believe that the findings of this study reflect inequalities that disproportionately affect autistic people.”
Many autistic people require adjustments to be made to ensure equal access to healthcare, employment, and local authority support.
Some also have learning disabilities and can find it hard to explain to others when they are experiencing pain or discomfort. This can mean that health problems go undetected.
The researchers also believe that we are not seeing the full picture, with autism often going undiagnosed. They predict the number of autistic people in the UK is probably double what we expect it to be.
Professor Stott said: “Very few autistic adults have been diagnosed, meaning that this study only focuses on a fraction of the total autistic population.
“Those who are diagnosed may be those with greater support needs and more co-occurring health conditions than autistic people on average.
“We think this is particularly the case for women diagnosed with autism and learning disability – the larger reduction in life expectancy may reflect a disproportionate underdiagnosis of autism and/or learning disability in women.
“It’s likely that not all autistic people experience a reduced life expectancy – indeed, some autistic people may be better at sticking to healthy routines than average, potentially increasing their life expectancy.”
There have also been many reports of social exclusion, difficulties accessing support, and inappropriate care being given to the autistic community that may be adding to the problem.
This study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, intends to act as a wake-up call for the UK to bring an end to this unnecessary loss of life.
Dr. Judith Brown said: “This is very important research led by University College London and we are grateful to have been able to contribute.
“While the results of this study suggest a smaller difference than previously understood between the life expectancy of autistic and non-autistic people, they are still significant.
“These findings demonstrate that autistic people continue to face unacceptable inequalities through a lack of understanding, barriers to vital services and inadequate care, which lead to poorer mental and physical health outcomes.
“Without investment, improved understanding, inclusion and the correct level of support and care, autistic people will continue to see reduced life expectancy, with the most at-risk group in this study being autistic women with learning disabilities.
“This research should be a wake-up call for Government, the NHS, healthcare professionals and society as a whole that we must tackle the health inequality autistic people face.”
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
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