At the same time, many people with a learning disability have greater health needs than the general population.

For example, they are more likely to experience mental ill health and are more prone to long-term health problems (PDF), epilepsy and physical and sensory disabilities.

Approximately 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability. Autistic spectrum conditions are not learning disabilities; however, approximately 20-30% of people with a learning disability also have autism (PDF).

Health needs that are commonly higher in people with learning disabilities include:

• epilepsy
• obesity and being underweight
• constipation
• gastro-intestinal disorders
• diabetes
• cardiovascular disorders
• congenital heart problems
• osteoporosis
• sensory impairments
• mental health disorders
• self -harm
• behavioural disorders.

The Learning Disability Mortality Reviews highlight that people with learning disabilities face huge health inequalities and die 20-30 years earlier than those without learning disabilities. 

Health inequalities are a result of multiple factors, including:

• biological and genetic causes
• diet and lifestyle
• socio-economic status
• access to health care
• communication
• diagnostic overshadowing.

A health professional may not see beyond the behaviour itself and attribute the reason for this behaviour to be associated with learning disabilities. This can mean they do not explore potential other causes, such as tooth pain. 

It is natural for health and social care practitioners to assume the simplest answer is probably the right answer. However, nurses should always explore things further and check if their decisions are biased by the person having learning disabilities. This is commonly referred to as “diagnostic overshadowing”.

People with learning disabilities often experience barriers to accessing health care. Across the UK, there are several initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes and promoting equality. These include:

• Maintaining a GP learning disability register to help identify and support individuals with learning disabilities.
• Introducing learning disability liaison nurses in GP practices to improve communication and access to care.
• Providing hospital liaison roles to support people with learning disabilities during inpatient stays and outpatient visits.

One key initiative is the provision of annual health checks, which are available across all UK nations. These checks help identify unmet health needs, support early intervention, and promote better management of long-term conditions.

England

• Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF).
• UK Health Security Agency.
• Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.

GP surgeries offer free annual health checks to anyone aged 14 or over who are on the learning disability register. These checks are supported by the QOF and aim to identify unmet health needs, improve access to screening and support better management of long-term conditions.

Wales

• Learning Disability Delivery and Implementation Plan 2022-2026.
• Public Health Wales.

Annual health checks are also offered to people aged 14 and over on the learning disability register, and they are similarly supported by the QOF.

Wales has its own strategic framework, which outlines broader goals for improving health outcomes, including increasing uptake of health checks.

Scotland

• The Scottish Annual Health Check.
• Public Health Scotland.

The Scottish Government funds annual health checks for people aged 16 and over with learning disabilities.

These checks are delivered by NHS Boards and are designed to be inclusive of all levels of learning disability. They help identify health issues early and ensure individuals receive appropriate care and support.

Northern Ireland

• Learning Disability Service Model.
• NI Screening Programmes.

A new Learning Disability Service Model is being developed to improve services for adults with learning disabilities. As part of this, annual health checks are being considered to ensure consistent and equitable access to health care.

The model focuses on improving health and wellbeing, supporting families and carers and promoting meaningful lives for people with learning disabilities.