Opportunistic examinations and procedures for people with developmental disability

Some people with developmental disability have difficulty tolerating examinations or procedures. Strategies to alleviate anxiety and facilitate examination and investigations are discussed here. In some cases, to enable general and preventive health care (eg dental checks, blood tests) and minimise the risk of iatrogenic trauma, it may be useful to arrange sedation for the person with developmental disability, or to liaise with other providers to ensure maximum advantage is taken of general anaesthetic or sedation needed for other reasons.

For advice on capacity and consent for medical care, see Consent, capacity and decision making for people with developmental disability. Trauma-informed care for people with developmental disability is discussed here.

For general advice on assessing sedation risk, see Analgesic guidelines. See also advice on procedural sedation for people with developmental disability undergoing a dental procedure.