This report draws on data from the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) to investigate deaths in children with a learning disability and autistic children, and to draw out learning and recommendations for service providers and policymakers.

This NCMD thematic report aims to identify trends in child mortality among children and young people with a learning disability and autistic children, investigate factors associated with these deaths and identify common themes, to help inform policymakers, commissioners, those providing services to children and young people, and those involved in reviewing deaths of children and young people.

We are aware that the content of this report may be distressing for some readers.

The authors of this report wish to acknowledge that the death of each child is a devastating loss that profoundly affects bereaved parents as well as siblings, grandparents, extended family members, friends and professionals. They also wish to thank all the families who shared their data and experiences, and the Child Death Overview Panels who submit detailed evidence on every death to the database.