Complex Disabilities

The term "complex disabilites" refers to the presence of sensory, physical or neurological problems in people with intellectual disabilities. It includes people who have complex medical needs, some of whom are dependent on technology.

These conditions may have the same basic cause as the intellectual disabilities, or may be unrelated. In either case, additional impairments typically have profound impacts, not only on people's functioning, but on the responses of appropriate services.

This section describes the knowledge and skills which are required when working with people with complex disabilities.

A number of articles are being prepared for this section. Please let us know if there are new topics that you would like us to include.

Communication challenges
Down's Syndrome & Autism
Down's Syndrome & Childhood Deafness - Link to Booklet
Epilepsy
Hearing Impairment and Down's Syndrome
Health Guidelines for Adults with an Intellectual Disability
Visual impairment
Visual impairment & cognition