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Little Champs ABA > Autism > What is the Leading Cause of Death in Autism?

What is the Leading Cause of Death in Autism?

A person in black funeral attire resting a hand on a wooden casket topped with white flowers.

This is a hard topic, and it’s one many families are afraid to ask about. Autism itself does not cause death. 

However, research shows that accidents—especially drowning—are the leading cause of death in autistic children, while health-related conditions become more common risks in adulthood.

Understanding these risks isn’t about fear. It’s about prevention, safety, and support.

Why accidental deaths are higher in autism

Many autistic individuals experience challenges that can increase safety risks, especially at younger ages. These risks are not due to autism itself, but to how autism can affect awareness, communication, and behavior.

Common contributing factors include:

Among accidents, drowning is the most common cause, particularly for autistic children who wander and are drawn to pools, lakes, or other bodies of water.

Other health-related risks in autistic individuals

As autistic individuals get older, health-related causes become more relevant. These can include:

  • Seizure-related complications
  • Respiratory and cardiovascular conditions
  • Mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression

These risks highlight the importance of ongoing medical care, mental health support, and early intervention across the lifespan.

What parents and caregivers can do

The goal is not to worry—but to prepare and protect.

Prioritize safety planning

Simple steps can dramatically reduce risk:

  • Secure doors, gates, and pools
  • Use alarms or tracking devices if wandering is a concern
  • Teach water safety early
  • Supervise closely near traffic or water

Teach safety and communication skills

Many safety risks decrease when children learn how to:

  • Ask for help
  • Respond to their name
  • Follow basic safety rules
  • Communicate discomfort or fear

These skills can be taught and reinforced over time.

Address behavior proactively

When behaviors like wandering, impulsivity, or lack of safety awareness are present, addressing them early matters. Teaching replacement behaviors and increasing supervision during high-risk situations can save lives.

How ABA therapy supports safety and independence

ABA therapy plays a key role in reducing dangerous behaviors and building life-saving skills. Support may focus on:

  • Reducing wandering behaviors
  • Teaching functional communication
  • Improving response to safety cues
  • Building self-regulation and awareness

Early, consistent support helps children gain more independence while staying safe.

At Little Champs ABA, we believe that understanding risks is the first step toward prevention—and that families shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. We focus on building communication, safety awareness, and daily living skills that help autistic children stay safe while gaining independence.

We proudly support families with individualized ABA services in Colorado and Utah, offering flexible options to meet children where they are:

If you have concerns about safety, wandering, or risky behaviors, we’re here to help. Reach out to Little Champs ABA today and let’s work together to build skills that protect your child now—and support their future.

FAQs

Does autism itself cause early death?

No. Autism does not cause death. Increased risk is linked to preventable accidents and health-related conditions, not autism itself.

Why is drowning so common in autistic children?

Many autistic children are drawn to water and may wander without understanding danger, making close supervision and safety measures critical.

Can therapy reduce safety risks?

Yes. Therapy can teach communication, safety awareness, and behaviors that significantly reduce risk.

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