What it is
People with a learning disability can find it harder to get the healthcare they need, so reasonable adjustments, health checks and a health passport can help.
Support at school, at home and from health and social care services helps people live as independently as possible.
Common signs
- Difficulty learning new skills
- Needing more time to understand information
- Difficulty with everyday tasks
- Delays in speech, walking or other milestones
How it is usually diagnosed
- Developmental and psychological assessments
- Genetic tests, sometimes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Assessment reports
- Annual health check results
- A health passport or communication profile
- Support and care plans
Questions to ask your doctor
- What support is available locally?
- What reasonable adjustments can be made for appointments?
- Do we need any genetic tests?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A change in behaviour, pain or seeming unwell in someone who cannot easily explain how they feel: get medical help promptly
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.