Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for a seizure lasting more than five minutes, repeated seizures without recovery, serious breathing difficulty, severe injury, or unresponsiveness.
Follow an existing seizure emergency plan if one has been provided.
Immediate help is also needed if the person is at risk of harming themselves or someone else.
These situations are emergencies because of the immediate symptoms, not simply because intellectual disability is present.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice for:
New seizures, unusual staring spells, or repeated unexplained falls
Loss of previously learned skills
New swallowing problems, frequent choking, or unexplained weight loss
A clear change in movement, alertness, behavior, or coordination
Persistent pain or illness that the person cannot easily describe
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical or developmental follow-up if there are concerns about delayed milestones, learning, speech, behavior, movement, hearing, vision, feeding, or sleep.
A review is also appropriate if previously useful support is no longer meeting the person’s needs.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on X-linked mental retardation. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.