An FCA for a person with intellectual disability examines how they take part in everyday activities and what helps them do so. The assessment should use an accessible way of communicating and include the person's preferences.
A diagnosis does not provide a complete account of practical abilities, and it should not be used to assume that someone cannot participate in decisions about their assessment.
Plan communication before the appointment
Discuss the person's usual communication methods and what support helps them understand information. This might involve simpler wording, visual information, more time or a familiar communication partner.
The practice needs to confirm a workable approach before booking. A standard form or interview should not be treated as the only possible way to obtain the person's contribution.
Consent and representative authority also need to be checked for the particular decision. A family relationship or a person's need for assistance does not by itself establish authority to consent or receive health information.
Examine the steps in an activity
The assessor may ask about personal care, meals, appointments, community activities or managing everyday decisions. It is useful to describe the specific assistance involved.
For example, a person may complete a familiar task once materials are set out, but need support when the sequence changes. The report should describe both the ability and the help that makes it possible.
Distinguish prompting, demonstration, supervision and physical assistance. They do different jobs and may be required at different times.
Include supporters without replacing the person
A family member or worker may provide observations about activities outside the appointment. Identify the observer, the setting and the period covered.
The person's own account may differ. The assessor should explore the difference and explain what remains uncertain rather than automatically prefer whichever account is more detailed.
Where a proxy questionnaire is used, the tool and respondent must be appropriate. A proxy answer is the respondent's assessment; it should not be presented as though the participant completed the measure themselves.
Choice, safety and restrictions
Recommendations should support participation and consider the person's preferences. They should not automatically increase supervision or reduce choice simply because a diagnosis is present.
If a situation involves restrictions on movement or access, it may raise separate restrictive-practice requirements. An FCA is not authorisation to use a restrictive practice. Appropriate specialist advice and safeguards may be required.
Explain the next step
At the end of the assessment, the person should have an appropriate way to understand the main findings and recommendations. Questions can be supported without transferring every decision to someone else.
The report should state the methods used, what assistance is recommended and any limits on the conclusions. Some questions may need additional assessment; these should be identified rather than hidden by a broad statement about overall capacity.