Autism Linked to 14-Year Life-Expectancy Gap, Flu as Primary Mortality Driver

A Medicaid-based study of people with autism spectrum disorder finds an average life expectancy of about 65 years—roughly 14 years shorter than the general population—driven mainly by influenza- and pneumonia-related deaths, with malnutrition, pneumonitis, non-vehicle accidents, and drowning also contributing. Although life expectancy for autistic individuals on Medicaid rose slightly from 2000–2019, the disparity remained and fell further in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors say better social support, primary care, and community-based services could close much of the mortality gap, though socioeconomic factors may bias estimates.