Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the way a person interacts and communicates with others. The disorder is characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. While the exact cause of autism is not known, research suggests that it may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
One of the major issues related to autism is that its life expectancy is lower than that of the general population. The average life expectancy of individuals with autism is 36 years, compared to an average life expectancy of 78 years in the general population. This significant difference in life expectancy can be attributed to several factors.
Factors Contributing to Lower Life Expectancy
There are several factors that contribute to the lower life expectancy of individuals with autism. These include:
• Poor access to healthcare: Individuals with autism often lack access to adequate healthcare, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. This can result in a higher risk of death due to complications.
• Poor nutrition: Individuals with autism often have difficulty with food selectivity, which can lead to a lack of proper nutrition. Poor nutrition can lead to an increased risk of various medical conditions, which can contribute to lower life expectancy.
• Seizures: Seizures are common in individuals with autism, and these can lead to a higher risk of death due to complications.
• Accidents and suicide: Individuals with autism may be more likely to experience accidents due to their lack of safety awareness. In addition, individuals with autism are at a higher risk of suicide due to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety.
Improving Life Expectancy
There are several ways to improve life expectancy for individuals with autism. These include:
• Improving access to healthcare: Providing better access to healthcare can help individuals with autism receive treatment for medical conditions and improve their overall health.
• Improving nutrition: Ensuring that individuals with autism have access to a balanced diet can help improve their overall health and reduce the risk of medical conditions.
• Educating about safety: Educating individuals with autism about safety can help them reduce the risk of accidents.
• Providing social support: Ensuring that individuals with autism have access to social support can help reduce feelings of isolation and depression, which can reduce the risk of suicide.
By implementing these strategies, the life expectancy of individuals with autism can be improved.