Southdown responds to the latest Learning from Lives and Deaths (LeDeR) report

Posted on 5 September 2025

A report exploring data on the early deaths of people in the UK who are autistic or have a learning disability exposes the stark health inequalities they face. The Learning from Lives and Deaths – people with a learning disability and autistic people (LeDeR) 2023 report, released by researchers at King’s College London, reveals that adults with a learning disability die on average 19.7 years earlier than the general population. Autistic adults die, on average, 23.7 years earlier. Whilst we are encouraged to see that overall life expectancy has increased, these numbers remain deeply concerning. 

These early deaths are not because health conditions are untreatable or too complex for medical intervention. In fact, the report shows that 46% of deaths of people with a learning disability, and 48% of deaths of autistic people, were avoidable. This means that with timely, responsive, and accurate diagnosis and treatment, many lives could have been prevented from being cut short. 

The report also highlights stark inequalities in health outcomes: respiratory disease remains the leading cause of death for people with a learning disability, while suicide is one of the leading causes of death for autistic adults. These findings make clear that a “one size fits all” approach does not work. Tailored support is the way forward. 

As a specialist support and care provider for people with learning disabilities, Southdown recognises that these figures are deeply concerning, though not unexpected.  They underline the inequalities that persist in healthcare. A person-centred approach is proven to improve outcomes, and national healthcare plans and priorities must ensure people learning disabilities are not excluded. The LeDeR report shows clearly that the need for change remains urgent. 

This means, health services must be accessible, staff must have the right training, and people must be heard and treated appropriately, without delays. 

Southdown believes everyone has the right to access the support that enables them to be well, and that good health and wellbeing are fundamental to living a full life. Specialised and personalised care is essential. We are ready to work with health institutions, other organisations, families and communities to do what it takes to improve health outcomes for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. 

Read the full report here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/leder