Intellectual disabilities

All doctors should expect to have some patients with intellectual disabilities. People with intellectual disabilities have high rates of physical and mental ill-health, and co-morbidity is typical. Frequently associated conditions such as epilepsy, aspiration and choking can cause avoidable death, and problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disorder, sensory impairments and injuries can cause recurrent symptoms or persistent disability. Other developmental disorders, psychosis and behavioural problems are common.