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Understanding the Leading Causes of Death in Autism and How to Keep Your Loved One Safe
Dec 3, 2025
Understanding the Leading Causes of Death in Autism and How to Keep Your Loved One Safe
Dec 3, 2025
Understanding the Leading Causes of Death in Autism and How to Keep Your Loved One Safe
Dec 3, 2025
Understanding the Leading Causes of Death in Autism and How to Keep Your Loved One Safe
Dec 3, 2025
Discover the leading causes of death in autism, including health conditions, accidents, and mental health struggles. Learn how support can prevent these risks.
When we talk about the health and well-being of people on the autism spectrum, it's not just about understanding the challenges they face daily — it’s also about the risks they might face when it comes to life expectancy.
While autism itself isn’t a direct cause of death, research shows that individuals with autism are at a higher risk of dying prematurely due to several factors. But don’t worry — many of these risks are preventable with the right support and intervention.
Let’s take a closer look at the leading causes of death in autism and how we can work together to make a difference.
Why is the Risk of Death Higher in People with Autism?
Unfortunately, studies show that people with autism have a higher mortality rate compared to the general population. While it’s not always one thing causing this, the risks are often a combination of factors like medical conditions, accidents, and mental health struggles. Many of these issues, however, can be prevented with early intervention, proper care, and support.
Here's why:
Medical Conditions: Some individuals with autism may also have other health conditions, like epilepsy, heart problems, or respiratory issues, which increase the risk of serious health complications.
Accidents: People with autism, especially those with limited communication skills, may be more likely to experience accidents or injuries that could be fatal, like drowning or suffocation.
Mental Health Issues: Sadly, higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts are common in autistic individuals. These struggles can lead to tragic outcomes if not addressed.
Common Causes of Death in Autism
1. Health Conditions and Comorbidities
Many individuals with autism have other health conditions, such as neurological disorders, seizures, or cardiac issues, which can increase their vulnerability. Seizures, for example, are one of the leading causes of death in individuals with autism, particularly in those with co-occurring epilepsy. These medical conditions often need to be carefully managed to reduce risk.
2. Accidental Deaths
Accidents, including drowning, suffocation, and falls, account for a significant portion of premature deaths in autistic people. For instance, the risk of drowning is alarmingly high in children with autism, especially those who are nonverbal or prone to wandering off. Safety measures like fences, locks, and constant supervision can make a huge difference.
3. Mental Health Challenges
While we often think of autism in terms of behavioral challenges, many people with autism also face significant mental health issues. Anxiety, depression, and stress can lead to self-harm or even suicide in extreme cases. Sadly, this has become one of the leading causes of death in autistic individuals, particularly those without significant intellectual disabilities.
Why It Matters – And What We Can Do
The important takeaway here is that many of these deaths are preventable. With the right support and intervention, the risks associated with autism can be significantly reduced. Here’s how we can help:
Health Monitoring: Regular check-ups with doctors to manage comorbid conditions like epilepsy or heart disease.
Safety Protocols: Ensuring that safety measures are in place, such as installing locks, alarms, or using tracking devices for individuals prone to wandering.
Mental Health Support: Providing therapy, counseling, and social support to help manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
By taking these steps, we can make a significant difference in the lives of autistic individuals, helping them live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
ABA Therapy and Its Role in Reducing Risks
This is where ABA therapy, like the services provided by Blossom ABA, plays a vital role. At Blossom ABA, we focus not just on behavior management, but on improving overall quality of life for children and families.
Whether you're in Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, or North Carolina, Blossom ABA offers home-based ABA, center-based ABA, and school-based ABA therapy to help your child thrive in safe, supportive environments.
If you're looking for expert support to ensure your child’s well-being, Blossom ABA’s team is here to help. Explore how our services can make a difference for your family.
FAQs
Are people with autism more likely to die from medical conditions?
Yes, individuals with autism are at higher risk for conditions like epilepsy, heart problems, and respiratory issues. These conditions can lead to serious health complications without proper medical care.
Why are accidents so common among people with autism?
Due to challenges with communication, sensory sensitivities, or a tendency to wander, people with autism are more vulnerable to accidents like drowning or suffocation. Safety measures are essential in reducing these risks.
Can mental health issues lead to early death in autism?
Sadly, yes. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies are more common in individuals with autism. Early intervention and ongoing support can help manage these challenges and reduce the risk of self-harm.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6713622/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S175094672300065X
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(23)00195-3/fulltext
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13623613231224015
https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/individuals-autism-substantially-heightened-risk-injury-death
When we talk about the health and well-being of people on the autism spectrum, it's not just about understanding the challenges they face daily — it’s also about the risks they might face when it comes to life expectancy.
While autism itself isn’t a direct cause of death, research shows that individuals with autism are at a higher risk of dying prematurely due to several factors. But don’t worry — many of these risks are preventable with the right support and intervention.
Let’s take a closer look at the leading causes of death in autism and how we can work together to make a difference.
Why is the Risk of Death Higher in People with Autism?
Unfortunately, studies show that people with autism have a higher mortality rate compared to the general population. While it’s not always one thing causing this, the risks are often a combination of factors like medical conditions, accidents, and mental health struggles. Many of these issues, however, can be prevented with early intervention, proper care, and support.
Here's why:
Medical Conditions: Some individuals with autism may also have other health conditions, like epilepsy, heart problems, or respiratory issues, which increase the risk of serious health complications.
Accidents: People with autism, especially those with limited communication skills, may be more likely to experience accidents or injuries that could be fatal, like drowning or suffocation.
Mental Health Issues: Sadly, higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts are common in autistic individuals. These struggles can lead to tragic outcomes if not addressed.
Common Causes of Death in Autism
1. Health Conditions and Comorbidities
Many individuals with autism have other health conditions, such as neurological disorders, seizures, or cardiac issues, which can increase their vulnerability. Seizures, for example, are one of the leading causes of death in individuals with autism, particularly in those with co-occurring epilepsy. These medical conditions often need to be carefully managed to reduce risk.
2. Accidental Deaths
Accidents, including drowning, suffocation, and falls, account for a significant portion of premature deaths in autistic people. For instance, the risk of drowning is alarmingly high in children with autism, especially those who are nonverbal or prone to wandering off. Safety measures like fences, locks, and constant supervision can make a huge difference.
3. Mental Health Challenges
While we often think of autism in terms of behavioral challenges, many people with autism also face significant mental health issues. Anxiety, depression, and stress can lead to self-harm or even suicide in extreme cases. Sadly, this has become one of the leading causes of death in autistic individuals, particularly those without significant intellectual disabilities.
Why It Matters – And What We Can Do
The important takeaway here is that many of these deaths are preventable. With the right support and intervention, the risks associated with autism can be significantly reduced. Here’s how we can help:
Health Monitoring: Regular check-ups with doctors to manage comorbid conditions like epilepsy or heart disease.
Safety Protocols: Ensuring that safety measures are in place, such as installing locks, alarms, or using tracking devices for individuals prone to wandering.
Mental Health Support: Providing therapy, counseling, and social support to help manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
By taking these steps, we can make a significant difference in the lives of autistic individuals, helping them live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
ABA Therapy and Its Role in Reducing Risks
This is where ABA therapy, like the services provided by Blossom ABA, plays a vital role. At Blossom ABA, we focus not just on behavior management, but on improving overall quality of life for children and families.
Whether you're in Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, or North Carolina, Blossom ABA offers home-based ABA, center-based ABA, and school-based ABA therapy to help your child thrive in safe, supportive environments.
If you're looking for expert support to ensure your child’s well-being, Blossom ABA’s team is here to help. Explore how our services can make a difference for your family.
FAQs
Are people with autism more likely to die from medical conditions?
Yes, individuals with autism are at higher risk for conditions like epilepsy, heart problems, and respiratory issues. These conditions can lead to serious health complications without proper medical care.
Why are accidents so common among people with autism?
Due to challenges with communication, sensory sensitivities, or a tendency to wander, people with autism are more vulnerable to accidents like drowning or suffocation. Safety measures are essential in reducing these risks.
Can mental health issues lead to early death in autism?
Sadly, yes. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies are more common in individuals with autism. Early intervention and ongoing support can help manage these challenges and reduce the risk of self-harm.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6713622/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S175094672300065X
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(23)00195-3/fulltext
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13623613231224015
https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/individuals-autism-substantially-heightened-risk-injury-death
When we talk about the health and well-being of people on the autism spectrum, it's not just about understanding the challenges they face daily — it’s also about the risks they might face when it comes to life expectancy.
While autism itself isn’t a direct cause of death, research shows that individuals with autism are at a higher risk of dying prematurely due to several factors. But don’t worry — many of these risks are preventable with the right support and intervention.
Let’s take a closer look at the leading causes of death in autism and how we can work together to make a difference.
Why is the Risk of Death Higher in People with Autism?
Unfortunately, studies show that people with autism have a higher mortality rate compared to the general population. While it’s not always one thing causing this, the risks are often a combination of factors like medical conditions, accidents, and mental health struggles. Many of these issues, however, can be prevented with early intervention, proper care, and support.
Here's why:
Medical Conditions: Some individuals with autism may also have other health conditions, like epilepsy, heart problems, or respiratory issues, which increase the risk of serious health complications.
Accidents: People with autism, especially those with limited communication skills, may be more likely to experience accidents or injuries that could be fatal, like drowning or suffocation.
Mental Health Issues: Sadly, higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts are common in autistic individuals. These struggles can lead to tragic outcomes if not addressed.
Common Causes of Death in Autism
1. Health Conditions and Comorbidities
Many individuals with autism have other health conditions, such as neurological disorders, seizures, or cardiac issues, which can increase their vulnerability. Seizures, for example, are one of the leading causes of death in individuals with autism, particularly in those with co-occurring epilepsy. These medical conditions often need to be carefully managed to reduce risk.
2. Accidental Deaths
Accidents, including drowning, suffocation, and falls, account for a significant portion of premature deaths in autistic people. For instance, the risk of drowning is alarmingly high in children with autism, especially those who are nonverbal or prone to wandering off. Safety measures like fences, locks, and constant supervision can make a huge difference.
3. Mental Health Challenges
While we often think of autism in terms of behavioral challenges, many people with autism also face significant mental health issues. Anxiety, depression, and stress can lead to self-harm or even suicide in extreme cases. Sadly, this has become one of the leading causes of death in autistic individuals, particularly those without significant intellectual disabilities.
Why It Matters – And What We Can Do
The important takeaway here is that many of these deaths are preventable. With the right support and intervention, the risks associated with autism can be significantly reduced. Here’s how we can help:
Health Monitoring: Regular check-ups with doctors to manage comorbid conditions like epilepsy or heart disease.
Safety Protocols: Ensuring that safety measures are in place, such as installing locks, alarms, or using tracking devices for individuals prone to wandering.
Mental Health Support: Providing therapy, counseling, and social support to help manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
By taking these steps, we can make a significant difference in the lives of autistic individuals, helping them live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
ABA Therapy and Its Role in Reducing Risks
This is where ABA therapy, like the services provided by Blossom ABA, plays a vital role. At Blossom ABA, we focus not just on behavior management, but on improving overall quality of life for children and families.
Whether you're in Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, or North Carolina, Blossom ABA offers home-based ABA, center-based ABA, and school-based ABA therapy to help your child thrive in safe, supportive environments.
If you're looking for expert support to ensure your child’s well-being, Blossom ABA’s team is here to help. Explore how our services can make a difference for your family.
FAQs
Are people with autism more likely to die from medical conditions?
Yes, individuals with autism are at higher risk for conditions like epilepsy, heart problems, and respiratory issues. These conditions can lead to serious health complications without proper medical care.
Why are accidents so common among people with autism?
Due to challenges with communication, sensory sensitivities, or a tendency to wander, people with autism are more vulnerable to accidents like drowning or suffocation. Safety measures are essential in reducing these risks.
Can mental health issues lead to early death in autism?
Sadly, yes. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies are more common in individuals with autism. Early intervention and ongoing support can help manage these challenges and reduce the risk of self-harm.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6713622/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S175094672300065X
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(23)00195-3/fulltext
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13623613231224015
https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/individuals-autism-substantially-heightened-risk-injury-death
When we talk about the health and well-being of people on the autism spectrum, it's not just about understanding the challenges they face daily — it’s also about the risks they might face when it comes to life expectancy.
While autism itself isn’t a direct cause of death, research shows that individuals with autism are at a higher risk of dying prematurely due to several factors. But don’t worry — many of these risks are preventable with the right support and intervention.
Let’s take a closer look at the leading causes of death in autism and how we can work together to make a difference.
Why is the Risk of Death Higher in People with Autism?
Unfortunately, studies show that people with autism have a higher mortality rate compared to the general population. While it’s not always one thing causing this, the risks are often a combination of factors like medical conditions, accidents, and mental health struggles. Many of these issues, however, can be prevented with early intervention, proper care, and support.
Here's why:
Medical Conditions: Some individuals with autism may also have other health conditions, like epilepsy, heart problems, or respiratory issues, which increase the risk of serious health complications.
Accidents: People with autism, especially those with limited communication skills, may be more likely to experience accidents or injuries that could be fatal, like drowning or suffocation.
Mental Health Issues: Sadly, higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts are common in autistic individuals. These struggles can lead to tragic outcomes if not addressed.
Common Causes of Death in Autism
1. Health Conditions and Comorbidities
Many individuals with autism have other health conditions, such as neurological disorders, seizures, or cardiac issues, which can increase their vulnerability. Seizures, for example, are one of the leading causes of death in individuals with autism, particularly in those with co-occurring epilepsy. These medical conditions often need to be carefully managed to reduce risk.
2. Accidental Deaths
Accidents, including drowning, suffocation, and falls, account for a significant portion of premature deaths in autistic people. For instance, the risk of drowning is alarmingly high in children with autism, especially those who are nonverbal or prone to wandering off. Safety measures like fences, locks, and constant supervision can make a huge difference.
3. Mental Health Challenges
While we often think of autism in terms of behavioral challenges, many people with autism also face significant mental health issues. Anxiety, depression, and stress can lead to self-harm or even suicide in extreme cases. Sadly, this has become one of the leading causes of death in autistic individuals, particularly those without significant intellectual disabilities.
Why It Matters – And What We Can Do
The important takeaway here is that many of these deaths are preventable. With the right support and intervention, the risks associated with autism can be significantly reduced. Here’s how we can help:
Health Monitoring: Regular check-ups with doctors to manage comorbid conditions like epilepsy or heart disease.
Safety Protocols: Ensuring that safety measures are in place, such as installing locks, alarms, or using tracking devices for individuals prone to wandering.
Mental Health Support: Providing therapy, counseling, and social support to help manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
By taking these steps, we can make a significant difference in the lives of autistic individuals, helping them live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
ABA Therapy and Its Role in Reducing Risks
This is where ABA therapy, like the services provided by Blossom ABA, plays a vital role. At Blossom ABA, we focus not just on behavior management, but on improving overall quality of life for children and families.
Whether you're in Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, or North Carolina, Blossom ABA offers home-based ABA, center-based ABA, and school-based ABA therapy to help your child thrive in safe, supportive environments.
If you're looking for expert support to ensure your child’s well-being, Blossom ABA’s team is here to help. Explore how our services can make a difference for your family.
FAQs
Are people with autism more likely to die from medical conditions?
Yes, individuals with autism are at higher risk for conditions like epilepsy, heart problems, and respiratory issues. These conditions can lead to serious health complications without proper medical care.
Why are accidents so common among people with autism?
Due to challenges with communication, sensory sensitivities, or a tendency to wander, people with autism are more vulnerable to accidents like drowning or suffocation. Safety measures are essential in reducing these risks.
Can mental health issues lead to early death in autism?
Sadly, yes. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies are more common in individuals with autism. Early intervention and ongoing support can help manage these challenges and reduce the risk of self-harm.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6713622/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S175094672300065X
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(23)00195-3/fulltext
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13623613231224015
https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/individuals-autism-substantially-heightened-risk-injury-death
The Leading Cause of Death in Autism | Blossom ABA Therapy
The Leading Cause of Death in Autism | Blossom ABA Therapy
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Blossom Therapy constantly seeks qualified BCBAs and RBTs to fill full and part-time positions.
Blossom Therapy constantly seeks qualified BCBAs and RBTs to fill full and part-time positions.
Blossom Therapy constantly seeks qualified BCBAs and RBTs to fill full and part-time positions.
Blossom Therapy constantly seeks qualified BCBAs and RBTs to fill full and part-time positions.
