Preventive health and screening in children with developmental disability

Children with developmental disabilities should have at least the same access to preventive health and screening as other children. This promotes good health, and enables identification and treatment of health problems that might further affect development, learning and wellbeing (ie secondary prevention).

Children with intellectual disability qualify for an annual comprehensive health assessment under Medicare; for more information, see Comprehensive health assessments.

Some health problems (eg hearing and vision problems, constipation) occur more commonly in children with developmental disability; see Common health problems in children. Certain developmental disability syndromes and disorders (eg Down syndrome) are associated with specific health problems, and additional screening or anticipatory guidance is important to ensure they are not overlooked. See Syndromes and disorders associated with developmental disability for links to information about specific developmental disability syndromes and disorders.

The general practitioner (GP) or practice nurse can:

  • ensure parents and carers receive information and advice about preventive health activities in a format they can understand
  • ask about developmental milestones and signs of delay
  • ask about diet and nutritional problems—including weight management, and caloric or micronutrient deficiencies in children with oral aversion, sensitivities or restricted eating
  • recommend a physiotherapist to develop a physical activity plan that suits the child’s abilities and interests and can be incorporated into the daily routine; record this in their care plan
  • provide immunisations according to the Australian Immunisation Handbook
    • annual influenza vaccination as recommended
    • pneumococcal vaccination is indicated for people with Down syndrome, obesity or chronic disease
    • hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for people with developmental disability and their carers
    • hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for those living in residential facilities or who attend daycare facilities
  • encourage parents to keep a personal health record for the child
  • ask about oral and dental problems and ensure the child has 6-monthly dental checks
  • conduct health screening for children and young people according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice
  • ask about effects of medications (including complementary and over-the-counter medications); see Medication reviews
  • give advice on good sleep hygiene; see Sleep problems in people with developmental disability.

Parents need sufficient knowledge to keep their child healthy and to implement preventive strategies, see Support and services for children with developmental disability and their family. The GP is also best placed to do further testing, treatment or referral if indicated; for useful referrals, see Facilitating a multidisciplinary approach to care of people with developmental disability.

Children with developmental disability often have multiple medical investigations and procedures throughout their life. Every effort must be made to reduce the distress associated with medical care in childhood to minimise trauma and the risk of developing stress-phobias and iatrogenic traumatic stress disorder; see Trauma related to medical care of people with developmental disability. A gentle approach supported by trusted carers is recommended. For strategies to support children who find examinations difficult, see Physical examinations and investigations.