Life expectancy of people with developmental disability

The average life expectancy of a person with intellectual disability is lower than the general population by 13 to 27 years; however, reported figures vary.

Respiratory disorders are one of the most common underlying causes of death in people with disability. Premature death is associated with:

• more severe intellectual disability
• chronic comorbid health conditions
• poor access to preventive health and appropriately tailored health care
• general markers of physical disability and debility
• epilepsy
• cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome.

For practical healthcare considerations in people with developmental disability, including preventive health and screening, see children, adolescents, adults or people who are ageing.