The University of Sydney

Centre for Disability Studies

These Guidelines are designed to assist general practitioners to provide comprehensive health care to people with intellectual disability. The Guidelines are based on the best evidence available at the time of development. They provide information about commonly occurring health conditions that need to be screened for in people with intellectual disability. The Guidelines do not focus on the management of these health conditions, as the principles of management are similar to those in the general population. Where these differ, due to the different circumstances of people with intellectual disability, this is highlighted. Associated with these Guidelines is a Health Assessment Tool, a checklist to ensure that the major health issues are identified.

While the Guidelines refer to people with intellectual disability, many of the principles of diagnosis and management are equally applicable to people with other developmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy.