Learning Disability and Autism Resource Hub
This page contains resources designed to support carers and families of, and professionals working with, autistic people and those with a learning disability.
Plans
The NHS has developed a Long Term Plan to set out what the priorities are over the next ten years and learning disability and autism are included in this. The plan is about making a difference throughout people's lives, starting with a stronger focus on children and young people with the most complex of needs. Our ambitions are that across the whole NHS and wider society, we do more to ensure that all people with a learning disability, autism, or both can live happier, healthier, longer lives.
Programmes
The learning from deaths of people with a learning disability (LeDeR) programme was set up as a national programme to look at why people are dying and what we can do to change services locally and nationally to improve the health of people with a learning disability and reduce health inequalities.
Resources
Annual Health Check
People with a learning disability, aged 14+ can access an annual health check via their GP Practice. These resources will help to prepare and deliver these important checks:
Annual Health Check Up Information Leaflet Pre Annual Health Check Action Questionnaire
Annual Health Check action plan template Annual Health Check Grapevine flyer Annual Health Check letter template
Cancer screening
These easy read resources provide accessible information about cancer screening programmes:
This guidance and resource pack is for care providers of learning disability services:
Promoting access to adult screening for people with a learning disability
Oral care
To help health professionals, paid social care staff and family members to support someone with learning disabilities to get good oral care, please visit Gov.uk for more information:
Below is an easy read guide about oral health:
E-learning
Free e-learning modules available covering people who have learning disabilities and are at risk of behaviours that challenge, people with learning disabilities who have mental health conditions and autistic people with learning disabilities can be found below:
Preparing for hospital appointments/ admissions
People with a learning disability should be supported to have a Health and Care (hospital) passport prepared to provide important information about them to those providing care and treatment. Blank passport templates are provided below:
Symbolised Health and Care Passport
For an easy read guide on hospitals passports:
Reasonable adjustments
Changing the way that care and support is delivered to someone with a learning disability can help ensure they access services and have a positive experience of health care. These resources provide guidance on reasonable adjustments:
Guide to Reasonable Adjustments for Autistic Adults
NHS Right Care Pathway - Diabetes
Reasonable adjustments for people with a learning disability in hospital
There is also easy read information on a wide range of health topics below:
One Page Profiles
The one-page profile is a quick way to understand someone's interests, environments they thrive in and how best to support them. It's a conversation starter something that isn't medical, which might help to reduce anxiety and build connection. It means people don't have to re-tell their story over and over and can help you to build the trust of the person you are working with. The conversation becomes person to person, rather than clinician to client.