With such a gross difference in health when compared with the general population, it would be very reasonable to ask whether there are any modifiable risk factors for these diseases. So at least with exercise and better nutrition, it is likely they could avoid developing some diseases. Exercise opportunities improve the quality of life for people with an intellectual disability. They are poorer and nearly all are dependent on social security. They tend not to marry or have children, and live mainly in public housing.
Educational levels are low and illiteracy is the rule rather than the exception.
They do not drive cars and many do not have an occupation. One of the greatest barriers to health care is that many cannot speak at all and only half can communicate in complete sentences. The non-ideal social conduct of some of the group is such that doctors are nervous about keeping them waiting and reluctant to expose them to their other patients for fear of losing customers. Another barrier is that members of this group usually have to negotiate health care through another person, which only works successfully if their agent is trained and empathic and does not underestimate their complaints. Unfortunately, Australia has few doctors specially trained to understand this minority group.