Artículo


Key Points about Autism and Life Expectancy

  1. Life Expectancy Disparity:

  2. Despite the average global life expectancy of around 72 years, autistic individuals tend to have a reduced life expectancy, ranging from 39.5 to 58 years.

  3. Contributing Factors:

  4. Genetic and Medical Conditions:
    • Autistic individuals are more susceptible to comorbid genetic and neurological disorders, such as Down syndrome, epilepsy, and muscular dystrophy. These can negatively affect life expectancy.
    • Additionally, sleep disorders and gastrointestinal issues are prevalent among autistic individuals, further impacting their overall health.
  5. Mental Health Challenges:
    • Autistic people are at a higher risk for developing mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma disorders, which can lead to self-harm and suicide. These conditions contribute to the disparity in life expectancy.
  6. Social and Environmental Factors:
    • Societal pressures and expectations, as well as the challenges of navigating systems designed for neurotypical individuals, can induce chronic stress in autistic individuals, adversely affecting their health.

  7. Insufficient Support and Services:

    • Limited access to tailored support, therapies, interventions, and inclusive services can hinder the well-being of autistic individuals, exacerbating the life expectancy gap.

  8. Diagnosis of Autism:

  9. For children, a qualified psychologist or developmental specialist can diagnose autism through diagnostic interviews, observations, and standardized assessments.

  10. Adults can be diagnosed by psychologists or psychiatrists with appropriate training, involving similar diagnostic procedures.

  11. Treatment and Coping Strategies:

  12. Providing the right level of support and interventions can alleviate stress and improve the quality of life for autistic individuals.
  13. Therapies, such as individual and group counseling, along with support groups, can be beneficial in addressing the challenges faced by autistic people.

  14. Medications may be necessary for co-occurring mental health conditions but are generally not required solely for autism.

  15. Conclusion:

  16. The reduced life expectancy among autistic individuals stems from a combination of genetic and medical conditions, mental health challenges, social and environmental factors, and inadequate support and services.
  17. Access to appropriate support, interventions, and a supportive societal environment can minimize this disparity and enhance the well-being and quality of life for individuals with autism.
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