Why this is an exciting time for our profession
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Why this is an exciting time for our profession

Michael Brown Consultant editor, Learning Disability Practice, Queen’s University Belfast
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Learning Disability Practice. 24, 6, 5-5. doi: 10.7748/ldp.24.6.5.s1

Published: 02 December 2021

Despite all the change and uncertainty in our field of practice in recent years, change is inevitable, but what’s important is how we view it and whether we choose to see the opportunities that are there.

That’s what makes it such an exciting time for us.

There is certainly evidence about the changing population of children, adults and older people with learning disabilities, so we know that they will be frequent users of our health services.

They touch every aspect of our care services and that brings opportunities for learning disability nurses. We know the population is increasing, which means we are going to need more responses, not less.

Older people with learning disabilities are living longer with complex needs, such as dementia, and there is an increasing population in need of care and support.

There are huge opportunities to help with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and fetal alcohol syndrome.

We know we are getting much better with our assessment tools, diagnosis and interventions, so for people who are interested in children and young adults, there is plenty of work there.

For some young adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities, early intervention and family support is key – if not they will be the generation that will seep into our criminal justice system or our treatment units, and we cannot ignore the poor practice that sometimes does take place.

Learning disability nurses need to ensure they have the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to address the needs of an increasing population.

‘There are huge opportunities to help with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and fetal alcohol syndrome’

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