Common health problems in people with developmental disability: introduction

People with developmental disability have the same health problems as the general population; however, a number of factors contribute to an increased risk and incidence of these health problems, and to poorer identification and outcomes in this group. In people with developmental disability, common health problems can:

  • be associated with a developmental disability syndrome or disorder
  • manifest atypically (eg as behaviour change)
  • be mistakenly assumed to be part of the person’s disability
  • present late and at an advanced stage
  • be missed or misdiagnosed.

For links to advice on health problems that are common in people with developmental disability, see Common health problems in people with developmental disability.

Consider also contributing individual factors, such as communication difficulties or challenging behaviour, and family, environmental or community problems, such as abuse and trauma.

A proactive approach to assessment and management of health problems for a person with developmental disability is necessary when they have communication or cognitive difficulty, or are reliant on carers or support people. Good practice includes an annual comprehensive health assessment using a disability health assessment template; these are designed to identify health problems that are often missed or misdiagnosed in people with developmental disability—see Comprehensive health assessments.

Consider reasonable adjustments to care (eg accessible information) when managing common health problems in people with developmental disability.

Figure 1. Common health problems in people with developmental disability

For advice on health problems that are common in people with developmental disability, see: