Autism Fact Sheet - National Autism Association (2024)

FAQs

What is the average age of death for autism? ›

During a 20-year study, the National Library of Medicine determined that chronic conditions, like cancer, accidents, and health complications from medicine side effects heavily contributed to these younger deaths. According to a different study, the average autism life expectancy was around 54 years old.

Some may develop language and communication skills at later ages than their peers, and some may develop their language in a different order. Some autistic children will develop spoken language in a typical way, but they may need support in other areas of communication, such as social communication or fluency.

Autism Research Institute. Nothing is more challenging than watching your child suffer. Caring for a child with autism can stress parents beyond their limits. If your child's disorder makes you feel highly stressed, you are not alone.

While some individuals with Level 2 Autism can achieve a level of autonomy, most do not have a completely independent life. A significant percentage of adults with ASD require substantial support and may have an intellectual disability.

Donald Gray Triplett (September 8, 1933 – June 15, 2023) was an American banker known for being the first person diagnosed with autism.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for autistic children; researchers recommend providing swimming classes immediately following diagnosis. The average age at death for individuals with autism was 36 years younger than for the general population, 36 years of age compared with 72.

Some children with ASD develop language after age 5. “There is a burst of kids in the 6 to 7 age range who do get language,” says Wodka, who currently leads recruitment and research efforts for the SPARK study at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore.

Autism is often marked by communication issues

It's not always obvious that someone has autism, which is often marked by difficulties with social communication and restricted topics of interest. Some autistic people are nonverbal, but others can be highly talkative.

Of course, autistic individuals laugh when they are happy, or if they find something funny. However, they often laugh to release fear, tension and anxiety. What is very difficult for their parents to comprehend (and accept) is that they might laugh or giggle non-stop when someone is crying.

Autistic children love their parents

You may have to learn to see how your child expresses affection and not take it personally if your child doesn't show affection in the way that typical children do.

Do autistic children cry when parents leave? ›

Naturally, babies are clingy to their parents or primary caregivers. Whenever you stepped out or left them alone, they would cry. However, those with autism may not cry, even when in pain. In some instances, they do not manifest any fear.

Parent/Child Communication

Children on the autism spectrum can often have difficulties expressing their feelings and communicating with others. Deciphering what your child needs can be even more difficult with a child on the spectrum.

Yes, they can and do. According to research conducted at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), two-thirds of 15- to 18-year-old autistic adolescents without intellectual disability are currently driving or planning to drive, and 1 in 3 autistic individuals without intellectual disability get licensed by age 21.

Most children with level 3 autism exhibit self-stimulatory and repetitive behaviors. These behaviors may include moaning, flapping, door slamming, or violent rocking, which are potentially extreme and difficult to manage. There may also be physical symptoms such as sleeplessness, epilepsy, and gastrointestinal issues.

ASD Level 1: Requiring Support

Level 1 is the mildest, or “highest functioning” form of autism, which includes those who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Individuals with ASD level 1 may have difficulty understanding social cues and may struggle to form and maintain personal relationships.

Emotional Reactions

Children and adults on the autism spectrum may react to other's emotions and physical changes. They may feel anxious or fearful of what caused the divorce or death. In the case of a death, the individual may wonder if the same thing will happen to them or others they know.

Many adults with autism live at home or with a friend or family member. When additional support is needed, in-home services may include a companion, homemaking/housekeeping, therapy and other health services, or personal care. Respite Care.

Love and affection may be felt but expressed differently

The empathy circuitry of the brain is also working differently. Your autistic person feels love, and feels empathy too, but may struggle to express both in ways that lead to you feeling loved or empathised with.

Having a family health history of ASD makes you more likely to have a child with ASD, or to have ASD yourself. If you have a child with ASD, you are more likely to have another child with ASD, especially if you have a daughter with ASD or more than one child with ASD.