Health
Health conditions can occur in children. These can be harder to identify if a child has difficulty communicating how they feel. If you are concerned about your child’s health, speak to your GP.
Health conditions can occur in children. These can be harder to identify if a child has difficulty communicating how they feel. If you are concerned about your child’s health, speak to your GP.
Physical and mental health matter for every child. For children with neurodevelopmental differences, some health needs can be harder to spot, especially when a child finds it hard to say how they feel or where it hurts.
This page looks at some of the extra difficulties that can come up and the barriers families can face. There are also links to external support.
Important: This page is general information. We don’t give individual advice. If you have any concerns about your child’s health, talk to your GP or health professional. You can also look at the NHS website for advice.
Anxiety can be an issue for some children. A child with anxiety may:
NHS website page on anxiety in children
Sleep difficulties are conditions that affect how well a person sleeps. Sleep issues can be more common in neurodivergent children. A child may:
If a child has a lack of sleep, this can affect other areas of life, including:
NHS website page on sleep and young children
Sleep advice resource from Cerebra – online and one-to-one support
Scope charity page on helping your disabled child with sleep
National Autistic Society page on sleep for parents
A child who has disabilities or differences may not show signs of ill health as typically as others. They may not be able to communicate pain or illness. If you notice a change from what’s normal for your child, however it shows up, it’s always worth a chat with your GP or health visitor.
For general guidance, the NHS website has information on a wide range of health conditions.
If you’re worried about a symptom and not sure what help you need, NHS 111 can tell you what to do next.
For emergencies, call 999.
Some children with neurodevelopmental needs also feel body signals differently. This is the body’s internal sensory system, called interoception.
They may be over or under-sensitive to this internal sensory system.
A child may not understand bodily cues such as:
National Autistic Society page on interoception, autism and well-being
Children over the age of 14 who are on their doctor’s learning disability register, may be able to have an annual health check. Ask your doctor if you are eligible.
This can help the young person to stay well. At the check you and your child can talk to a doctor or nurse, and discuss problems early so they can be supported.
NHS website page on annual health checks for learning disability
NHS England website page on annual health checks for learning disability with videos
For some children with neurodevelopmental differences, health issues can be experienced differently. Some health concerns can be more common in certain diagnoses.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition. It causes seizures. Seizures can take many different forms. Read more on the external links below.
Hypermobility means joints have a wider range of movement than usual. A child with hypermobility may:
NHS website page on joint hypermobility
Physical health is about how our bodies work, and how we are able to go about our daily life.
NHS website page on children’s weight
Mental health is about how we feel and act. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Good mental health helps us to enjoy life.
NHS website page on children’s mental health
Mind website page on autism and mental health
Scope website page on disabilities and managing mental health
Stomach or gastrointestinal conditions can sometimes be reported more often in autistic children and those with learning disabilities. Some children may find it hard to communicate when they are in discomfort. They may show other signs such as irritability, different eating or drinking than usual.
Common gastrointestinal problems include:
Constipation is sometimes reported more in autistic children. Children with constipation symptoms can vary. If you are worried about your child, talk to their doctor or health professional.
Signs and symptoms are listed on the NHS website below.
NHS website page on constipation in children
ERIC the children’s bladder and bowel charity
It can be difficult for some children to cope with going to the dentist. There are odd sensations, sounds and bright lights. There are some dentists who specialise in treating children with a disability or difference.
There are also extra adjustments that can be made for your child’s needs. Read the links below for more information.
Mencap Easy Read guide for looking after your teeth and gums
344 families told us that their child had health issues (out of 394). Our survey asked parents of children with neurodevelopmental differences what kind of additional issues their child had. People chose to take part in the survey and so these numbers are not population statistics or prevalence. Most of the families who chose to take part said that their children were autistic (8 in 10) (Growing Different Parent Survey 2024)
More information on the above issues
Physical and mental health:
Mental health:
Young Minds website page on mental health
If you’re worried about a symptom and not sure what help you need, NHS 111 can tell you what to do next.
For emergencies, call 999.
Growing Different Parent Survey 2024 – notes and limitations
394 families of neurodivergent children took part in our online survey. Most children were autistic (about 8 in 10). People chose to take part, so the figures show their experiences, not all children. We did not compare them with any other group, so they can’t show how common something is or what causes it. Some questions had more responses than others.
Please credit ‘Growing Different Parent Survey 2024‘ and read more in our survey insights page
If you have any concerns about a child’s mental or physical health, or development, contact your GP or health visitor.
A link is not an endorsement. We are not responsible for the content of external links.
A link is not an endorsement. We are not responsible for the content of external links.
Clear words and pictures – for children and adults with learning disabilities
Connecting I Coping I Daily living I Diagnosis I Environment I Health I Learning I Senses I Speech I Strengths
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Information created: July 2026 I Next review: July 2029
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This site gives general information, not medical advice. We share information and resources, but we can’t offer individual or one-to-one support. Always check with a professional before making decisions about your child.
The content on this website is provided for general information only. It should not be construed as medical advice, and it is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. Before making any decisions based on the content of this website you are strongly advised to obtain professional or specialist advice.
Although we make reasonable efforts to update the information on our website, we make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up-to-date, and we are not liable or responsible for any decision taken as a result. Please note that using automated summariser or translation tools may affect the accuracy of the information presented here.
This project has been made possible with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and the CPCA (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority), delivered through Allia Impact Ltd.
