Diagnosis and assessment is the process of working out the nature and cause of a disability and providing advice about the person’s needs and available services.

Children and adolescents with intellectual disability can have the same health problems as anyone else. They often have more health problems.

It is really important to have regular health checks and watch out for signs of health problems.

The health system is complex, and it can be hard to find the help you need. This fact sheet tries to help you through this maze by explaining what health services there are for children and young people.

Many people with intellectual disability find it hard to explain their symptoms.

It is really important to have regular health checks and watch out for signs of health problems.

See also our easy to read info guide Some signs of sickness.

It can be hard to find the help a person with intellectual disability needs.

This fact sheet tries to help you through this maze by explaining what health services there are.

Older people with intellectual disability have the same range of health problems as all older people, and many develop age-related problems at a much earlier age.

You should watch for any signs that a person’s health is deteriorating.

Sometimes, medical treatment is not offered to people with intellectual disability because of doctors’ views about their quality of life.

Family and support workers may need to be educators and strong advocates in these situations.

We also helped NSW Health develop Easy Read booklets on death, dying and palliative care.

A healthy lifestyle includes a good diet, regular exercise and rest. People with intellectual disability have higher rates of obesity and get less exercise than the general population.

See also our Tips to mental health Easy Read information guide.

It is important for a person with intellectual disability to have a thorough health assessment each year. Annual assessments, which are paid for by Medicare, can show up health problems that no one knew about.

Preventive health strategies aim to prevent illness or diagnose and treat it early. For example, immunisation and regular health checks.

People with intellectual disability should receive the same preventive health care as the rest of the community.

People with intellectual disability are at high risk of dental disease. This can be due to poor dental care and poor mouth hygiene, which can lead to other health problems.

Challenging behaviour means that something is not right for the person.

A behaviour support practitioner can help. It is also important for the person’s doctor to check for any health problems causing the behaviour.

It can be difficult to diagnose a mental health issue in a person with intellectual disability, especially if the person has limited verbal communication.

See also our easy to read information guides

• Mental health
• Tips to Mental Health
• Look after your mental health during Coronavirus

It can be very hard for people with intellectual disability to get the help that they need for their drug problems. They may not recognise the problem and it can be hard to find appropriate services. However, supports are available.

Knowing the cause of a person’s intellectual disability can help professionals advise how the person will develop and how to meet the person’s needs.

All people have the right to make choices about relationships. People with intellectual disability often need information and support to help them make decisions about relationships and sexuality.

People with intellectual disability have the same choices about contraception as other people. But, they will often need clear information and support to make choices.

Managing periods is not a problem for most women with intellectual disability. But for some, it can be complicated. Women with intellectual disability often need clear information and support to make choices about their periods.

We all need a good GP who we feel comfortable with. This is even more important for a person with intellectual disability who may not be able to explain symptoms and may feel anxious about visits to the doctor.

See also our easy to read info guide Finding a new doctor.

People with intellectual disability should go to the dentist at least every six months. Many people find it hard to tell the dentist that they have a toothache or sore gums. They may be anxious.

It is important to find a dentist who has the right skills to treat people with intellectual disability.

Sometimes GPs and other mainstream health professionals struggle to diagnose and treat people with intellectual disability.

A health service that specialises in working with people with intellectual disability may be needed.

For many people, Medicare covers much more than just going to the doctor when they are sick. If you think that items in this fact sheet might be useful for a person with intellectual disability, take it with you when you go to the doctor.

Most doctors are very busy and try to keep appointments as short as possible. So it is very important to be well prepared to make the most of a visit to the doctor.

Companion resource: My Health Matters folder.

See also our info guides with lots of easy to read information about doctors.

It is important to help the doctor communicate with the person with intellectual disability. It is also important that the doctor knows what the person is like when they are well.

Companion resource: My Health Matters folder.

See also our info guides with lots of easy to read information about doctors.

It is very important for a person with intellectual disability to have a health record that provides their doctor with information about them and their medical history.

Companion resource: My Health Matters folder.

People with intellectual disability should receive the same quality of care in a hospital as anyone else.

If you plan the hospital visit carefully, the stay should go as smoothly as possible.

See also our easy to read info guide Going to hospital for surgery.

Families and support workers often have high levels of stress. Meeting the needs of a person with intellectual disability can be very challenging.

There are many ways you can reduce stress and stay healthy.

Doctors and dentists usually need to get consent before they carry out treatment.

No-one can do things to your body unless you agree. But what happens if a person with intellectual disability does not understand the treatment?

If a person with intellectual disability does not get a fair deal from the health system, it is okay to make a complaint. And if the person suffers from inadequate health care, they might be able to seek compensation.

See also Making a complaint about goods or services, our Info Guide in Easy Read.

Useful links and information on key contacts in other states and key references for health professionals.

Please also feel free to call us on 1800 424 065.