Preventive health and screening

Adolescents with developmental disability have the same health problems as their peers, but often have more complex health needs. Some health problems (eg hearing and vision problems, constipation) occur more commonly in adolescents with developmental disability; see Common health problems in adolescents. 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.

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

Preventive health interventions as for the general population apply for adolescents with developmental disability. To facilitate disease detection and prevention, the general practitioner (or practice nurse) can:

  • ensure the adolescent and their parents or carers receive information about preventive health activities in a format they can understand
  • ask about changes in mood or behaviour, including sleep and cognitive or functional decline
  • check height and weight at each visit, and lipids and glucose as indicated (especially if there is a family history of diabetes, heart disease or obesity)
  • recommend regular exercise and fitness programs (eg physiotherapist, local gymnasium) as appropriate for level of ability; these should be part of the daily routine and documented in the adolescent’s care plan
  • immunise 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
    • meningococcal vaccination is recommended for adolescents, especially those living in residential facilities
  • encourage the adolescent keep a personal health record, with assistance from parents or carers as needed
  • ask about oral and dental problems and ensure the adolescent has 6-monthly dental checks
  • do standard health screening for young people including screening for sexually transmitted infections and contraception needs; refer to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice. For strategies to support people who find examinations difficult, see Physical examination and investigations
  • refer as appropriate for adolescent support and counselling (eg drug and alcohol, relationships).

For screening related to health problems that are common in adolescents with developmental disability, see Common health problems.