ABSTRACT
Introduction People with learning disabilities have a higher than average need for healthcare services. Over 60% of people in this group who live in the community have at least one chronic disorder that is sufficient to warrant ongoing medical intervention. People with a severe learning disability often have associated physical problems such as epilepsy, sensory impairment, cerebral palsy and difficulties in speech and communication. Various studies have shown that up to one-third of children with severe learning disability suffer from epilepsy. Mental health problems are three to four times more common in this group than in the general population.
