A New Zealand study has found that individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism or ADHD face nearly five times higher risk of dying before the age of 25 compared to those without such conditions.
Neurodevelopmental disorders typically emerge in early childhood, affecting skills like language, communication, and behaviour. Autism primarily impacts social communication and behaviour, while ADHD impairs attention, focus, and emotional regulation.
Researchers analysed data from the StatsNZ database, tracking nearly 9 lakh children born between 1995 and 2009 up to 2019. Around 40,000 children (4.5%) were identified as having a neurodevelopmental condition through hospital records, specialist mental health services, disability support systems, or prescriptions.
Earlier this year, a separate study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry reported reduced life expectancy among adults diagnosed with ADHD in childhood. Researchers from University College London estimated that men with ADHD may live about seven years fewer and women about nine years fewer than those in the general population.