[Specialized services for adults with developmental disabilities]

Adults with developmental disabilities, e.g. intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy or neuromuscular diseases ,have an increased risk of somatic and psychiatric disorders and of premature death. Many are dependent on others to communicate symptoms and access health care, and standard treatments often need to be individually adapted. The services offered these adults vary between regions. Physicians are scarce and of varying medical background. Adults with developmental disabilities should be entitled to equivalent specialized services, regardless of region of residence. Preventable morbidity and mortality should be minimized. To achieve this: Nurses and physicians should be included in the specialized services in all regions A curriculum for physicians in specialized services is needed The knowledge of developmental disabilities and accompanying health conditions needs to be enhanced throughout the health care system.