Therapists help with learning disabilities in several ways, including:
Health maintenance and promotion
Management and prevention of illness
Identification of psychological factors causing physical illness
Healthcare system improvement
Promoting and maintaining the health of individuals with a learning disability ensures they can live less dependent lives. Topics that psychologists cover include healthy living and mental health promotion. However, this information is made easily accessible to guarantee people with learning disabilities can comprehend the material.
People with a learning disability tend to make poor diet choices compared to the general population. Psychologists work with persons with learning disabilities to ensure they make healthier choices and embrace exercise. Therefore, they can help reduce common issues affecting people with learning disabilities, such as obesity.
Individuals that find it difficult to cope with their learning disability will not take good care of themselves. Therefore, they tend to experience different forms of physical illness—including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Psychologists ensure people with learning disabilities can follow a recommended regime.
Due to communication difficulties, people with learning disabilities find it hard to understand the doctor's information or express themselves. Psychologists, therefore, spearhead the need to ensure hospital staff knows how to handle patients with learning disabilities.