Learning disability and autism: NHS Long Term Plan

Support for people with a learning disability, autism, or both is part of the NHS Long Term Plan. This page brings together health information, referral routes, easy read guides, and resources for families, carers, and professionals.

NHS support

NHS England and Improvement has a programme called Transforming Care. It aims to improve health and care services so more people with a learning disability, autism, or both can live in the community, with the right support and close to home.

Read about support for people with a learning disability or autism on the NHS England website.

Community Dental Service

The Community Dental Service accepts referrals for children who cannot get dental care through a high street dentist because of their additional needs.

Referrals can come from:

• dentists
• doctors
• healthcare professionals
• voluntary organisations
• community groups
• education professionals

If a referral for a new patient is accepted, we will offer an assessment appointment with one of our dentists. They will carry out a full dental assessment and consider any reasonable adjustments a child may need in the dental setting. This helps decide whether the child meets the criteria for the Community Dental Service.

If a child is accepted into the service, we can support their oral health and provide full dental care. This may include sedation or a general anaesthetic if needed.

• Find Community Dental Service referral forms on the NHS England website
• Download the easy read guide to going to the dentist (PDF)

How services work together

Watch the animation explaining how the NHS, local authorities and services work together to support people with a learning disability or autism.

Watch the accessible version of the animation, which explains the same information in a more accessible format.

Support if a child or young person is at risk of hospital admission

If a child or young person with a diagnosis of a learning disability or autism is at risk of being admitted to a mental health hospital, there is a process called a Care and Education Treatment Reviews.

Easy read and carer resources

A Picture of Health South West provides a wide range of easy read resources for people who support someone with a learning disability. These cover mental and physical health needs.

• Find free resources for unpaid carers
• Find easy read symbols and resources