What is the updated avoidable death rate for people with learning disabilities and autism in England?

The corrected figures for 2023 show that 40% of deaths among people with learning disabilities and autism in England, with a known cause, were classified as avoidable.

Why was the original 2023 mortality review report withdrawn?

The original report was withdrawn in December due to a "technical issue" which caused errors in the data, and an updated version was released on Tuesday.

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UK Learner Disability Deaths: Avoidable Rate Now 40%

Q: How much younger do people with learning disabilities die compared to the general population?

The Learning Disabilities Mortality Review consistently shows that people with learning disabilities die around 20 years younger than others in the general population.

29 Jan

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Summary

Corrected figures show 40% of deaths were avoidable, up from 39%.
The original report was withdrawn due to a technical issue.
People with learning disabilities die around 20 years younger on average.

UK Learner Disability Deaths: Avoidable Rate Now 40%

A revised report indicates that in 2023, 40% of deaths among individuals with learning disabilities and autism in England, with a known cause, were classified as avoidable. This represents an increase from the previously stated 39% in a report initially released in 2025, which was later withdrawn in December due to a "technical issue." The corrected figures, analyzed by a team at King's College London, found 963 out of 2,397 deaths to be avoidable, nearly double the rate in the general population.

Circulatory diseases were identified as the most common cause of death at 17.6%. The Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR), established in 2015, consistently shows that people with learning disabilities die approximately 20 years younger than others. Common factors contributing to these deaths include missed diagnoses, delayed care, and untreated preventable conditions.