In this virtual special issue of Palliative Medicine, we bring together seven papers published in Palliative Medicine that highlight the importance of communication in the provision of palliative care for people with intellectual disabilities. Intellectual disability is characterised by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour, that impact everyday social and practical skills, including communication.1 Importantly, just like anyone else, people with intellectual disabilities have unique preferences, needs and support requirements which may mean meeting their palliative care needs is, or is perceived as, more difficult.2,3