A report has revealed that autistic people die decades younger than the general population, with Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan throwing her weight behind a campaign for action to reverse the statistic.

Data shows on average, people with autism die 16 years younger than those without the condition, and early deaths in autistic adults with no intellectual disability are largely driven by suicide.

Shockingly, those with autism and intellectual disability die on average 30 years before their non-autistic peers.

The report by Autistica, a leading autism research charity, has led the former Welsh Secretary to call for a national response to address the problem.

Mrs Gillan said: “Autism affects 1 in 100 people in my constituency so it’s a huge concern to hear that so many autistic people are at risk of early death.

“I commend Autistica for raising awareness of this sobering but crucial issue. Now that this huge problem has been brought to light, it’s vital that we see action on the ground to offer everyone with autism a brighter future.”

The charity reports that virtually no research has been done to determine how best to treat epilepsy and suicidal tendencies in people with autism.

Ahead of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, Autistica aims to raise £10 million to kickstart research to tackle early death in autism.

Jon Spiers, the charity’s Chief Executive, said: “This new research confirms the true scale of the hidden mortality crisis in autism.

“The inequality in outcomes for autistic people shown in this data is shameful.

“We cannot accept a situation where many autistic people will never see their 40th birthday.

“Everyone involved in supporting people on the autism spectrum from the Government right down to local care providers has a responsibility to step up and start saving lives as soon as possible.”