Chronic Health Among Those with an Intellectual Disability

This chapter explores the most prevalent chronic health conditions among those with an intellectual disability across their lifespan. Setting the scene with a brief overview of chronic health, the chapter explores in more depth epilepsy, musculoskeletal conditions particularly osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disease and sensory impairment. Throughout the chapter the reader is reminded of the health disparity experienced by individuals across their life course. The modifiable lifestyle behavioural factors to improve health are then explored followed by suggestions on improving health for those with intellectual disability. There is a need for more proactive action to address the health disparity, the risk being that without action disparity will continue and people with intellectual disability will continue to experience poorer health.