Common Neurodivergent Condition Linked to 14-Year Life Expectancy Gap
Newsweek
A study found that autistic individuals enrolled in Medicaid have a life expectancy of about 65 years, nearly 14 years shorter than the general U.S. population, due to higher risks across multiple medical conditions and causes of death. The disparity is attributed to factors like lack of access to care, preventable conditions, and misinterpretation of symptoms rather than autism itself causing premature death. Key risks include influenza, malnutrition, pneumonia, and accidental drowning.
All articles from 15 September 2026. Summaries are AI-generated and may contain errors; the linked article is the authority.