Common Neurodivergent Condition Linked to 14-Year Life Expectancy Gap
Summary
A large study found that autistic people on Medicaid live about 14 years less on average than the general U.S. population. This shorter life expectancy is linked to higher risks of many health problems and accidents, not autism itself.Key Facts
- The study looked at over 2 million autistic people enrolled in Medicaid from 2000 to 2020.
- Autistic Medicaid beneficiaries had an average life expectancy of about 65 years.
- This is nearly 14 years less than the average life expectancy in the U.S. population.
- Higher death rates were found from illnesses like flu, pneumonia, malnutrition, and respiratory diseases.
- Accidental deaths such as drowning and falls were also more common among autistic people.
- Experts say early death is often due to factors like poor healthcare access, missed medical problems, and safety issues.
- Improving healthcare access and support could help reduce the life expectancy gap.
- The study found autistic women have a larger life expectancy gap compared to women in the general population than autistic men do compared to men.
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