Within the long term conditions agenda, the needs of children and young people are frequently overlooked. Children and young people are affected differently by long term conditions, tend to use a different range of services from adults, and have distinct needs. They have insufficient access to support for the emotional impact of disability or long term conditions and often experience a lack of awareness and negative attitudes from adults and peers.
To find out more about the issues that affect children and young people please read our report; ‘Seen and not Heard, Exploring issues facing children and young people living with long term conditions’ and associated ‘update on recommendations’.
Please also read the report and research briefing from research carried out by LTCAS and for Scotland’s Disabled Children. This research finds serious shortcomings in the quality of life of children and young people who are disabled and/or live with long term conditions. It raises questions for policy makers and service providers about how to support young people to realise their rights, be included and develop into happy, supported, independent adults.
Find out what it’s like to be young and live with long term conditions by watching our series of short films:
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