People with autism and additional mental and physical health conditions more than twice as likely to die early.
Australian researchers examined the rates and risk factors for mortality and cause of death for 35,929 people on the autism spectrum (age range 5–64). Using linked datasets spanning 2001–2015, they found rates of death for people on the spectrum were 2.06 times that of the general population. Concurrent intellectual disability, epilepsy, mental health conditions and chronic physical health conditions were all associated with the increased risk of death. The leading causes of death were nervous system and sense disorders, including epilepsy, and injury and poisoning including self-harm and suicide. The findings suggest a need for greater health promotion and management of concurrent physical and mental health conditions for people with autism.
doi.org/10.1002/aur.2086
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