Care of people with severe and profound intellectual and developmental disabilities

Abstract

The World Health Organization’s World Report on Disability estimated that about 15.6 % of the world’s population 15 years and older lives with some form of disability, and that 22 % experience severe difficulties in functioning. The Global Burden of Disease estimated 5.1 % of children 14 years and under have disability, and 0.7 % (13 million) have severe disability. The DSM-5 suggested an overall population prevalence of severe Intellectual Disability to be 6 per 1000 people. The prevalence of disability is growing because of ageing populations and the global increase in health conditions, including the result of extreme preterm birth. Those with severe and profound intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have a wide range of health conditions, affecting most body systems, and requiring significant medical and nursing care.