Children with severe learning disabilities: needs, services and costs

Abstract

This study looks at how services are used by children with severe learning disabilities living at home and explores the associated total and component costs. Multivariate and bivariate analyses are employed and the results interpreted alongside information on parents' perceptions of their children's needs for healthcare. There is some evidence to suggest costs were associated with greater needs but there is also evidence of under-provision of formal care supports, particularly mental health services.

Access to health care for people with learning disabilities in the UK: mapping the issues and reviewing the evidence

“…Only mental health services were covered in more than one or two studies and these suggested people with learning disabilities had difficulties accessing specialist mental healthcare. Two studies both suggested a lack, or inappropriate provision, of mental health services to children, adults and older adults with learning disabilities 38 39. People with learning disabilities from South Asian communities in the U.K. were shown to have fewer contacts with psychiatrists than those from white communities, despite similar levels of need22, suggesting a double barrier to mental healthcare.…”

Health inequalities and people with learning disabilities in the UK

“…155 156 Concern has been expressed with regard to the availability of and access to mental health services by people with learning disabilities. [157][158][159] However, a very high proportion of people with learning disabilities are receiving prescribed psychotropic medication, most commonly anti-psychotic medication (40%-44% long-stay hospitals; 19%-32% community-based residential homes; 9%-10% family homes). 144 The health inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities make a significant contribution to overall health inequalities.…”

Interprofessional team-based primary health care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a scoping review protocol

“…286 Concern has been expressed with regard to the availability of and access to mental health services by people with learning disabilities. [287][288][289] However, a very high proportion of people with learning disabilities are receiving prescribed psychotropic medication, most commonly anti-psychotic medication (40%-44% long-stay hospitals; 19%-32% community-based residential homes; 9%-10% family homes). 246 250-252 290 291 Anti-psychotics are most commonly prescribed for challenging behaviours rather than schizophrenia, despite no evidence for their effectiveness in treating challenging behaviours and considerable evidence of harmful side-effects.…”