Skip main navigation

Case Study: Mary

Case Study: Mary
A clipboard with the words Case Study written on it, on a wooden background.
In the previous step, we learned about making reasonable adjustment to our communication style to support people with intellectual disability in clinical practice.

Consider the following fictional scenario and answer the questions below.

Mary is a 29 year old lady with Down syndrome. She is experiencing abdominal pain and is attending your practice for assessment. She has limited language skills, is very anxious and has come along with her mum. When her turn comes, she is reluctant to enter your office.

  • What communication actions would you take to engage with Mary and ease her anxiety?
  • What methods could you put in place to make her experience more comfortable and ensure positive engagement in the future?

© Trinity College Dublin
This article is from the free online

Improving Health Assessments for People with an Intellectual Disability

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now