Long-term research that involved following a group of individuals with autism for two decades indicates that the average life expectancy for some autistic people is about 39 years. Furthermore, this population generally succumbed to health complications about 20 years earlier than individuals who do not have autism.

In 2026, medical research indicates that the life expectancy for individuals with autism is generally lower than that of the neurotypical population, though the range is quite broad depending on support needs. Studies often cite an average life expectancy of 39 to 58 years. This disparity is not caused by autism itself, but rather by co-occurring conditions and systemic factors. For those with Level 1 (high-functioning) autism, the life expectancy is closer to the general average but still impacted by higher rates of mental health struggles and suicide. For those with higher support needs (Level 3), the average is lower, often due to accidents (such as wandering or drowning) and neurological comorbidities like epilepsy. In 2026, there is a global push toward "autism-friendly" healthcare to address these disparities by improving early diagnosis of heart disease and other chronic conditions that often go untreated in the autistic community.