Health needs and health service utilisation of children and adolescents with intellectual disability attending schools for specific purposes in Sydney, Australia

Abstract

AbstractBackground Little is known about the health needs and service utilisation of children and adolescents with moderate and severe intellectual disability in Australia.Aim To describe the health needs and health service utilisation of children and adolescents with intellectual disability attending Schools for Specific Purposes in Sydney, Australia.Methods We performed a retrospective review of 116 students attending three clinics within Schools for Specific Purposes in NSW. Extracted data explored health and social needs, and patterns of health service utilisation.Results Students’ mean age was 12.6 years (SD = 3.6) and 76% were male (n = 88), with 28% from families with a primary language other than English (n = 33). At least one housing concern was identified in 19% (n = 22), and there was history of child protection concerns in 19% (n = 22). At least one behavioural challenge was identified in 92% (n = 107), and 34% (n = 40) were prescribed anti-psychotic medication. Among those with non-syndromic moderate to severe intellectual disability (n = 97), more than 3 comorbid medical diagnoses were identified in 26% (n = 25).Conclusions Our study demonstrates high health and social needs among Australian children and adolescents with intellectual disability.

Keywords

• Health needs
• paediatrics
• intellectual disability
• health services
• Yang Gao, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
• health conditions