People with intellectual disability in NSW have a much shorter life expectancy, averaging 67 years – 16 years below the state average. Outcomes are even poorer for people with Down syndrome, whose life expectancy is about 54 years. These findings reveal major health inequities and emphasise the need for targeted health, social and systemic interventions.

Adults with ID experience premature mortality and over-representation of potentially avoidable deaths. A national system of reporting of deaths in adults with ID is required.