Disabilities in Society

Epilepsy is  a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.  Epilepsy may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury, such as a trauma or stroke. Individuals with epilepsy undergo seizures.  During a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behavior, symptoms, and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. There are few symptoms between seizures, however seizures cannot be controlled and happen involuntarily.  Stigma is commonly experienced, around the world, by those with epilepsy.   It can affect people economically, socially and culturally.   In India and China, epilepsy may be used as justification to deny marriage.   People in some areas still believe those with epilepsy to be cursed .  In parts of Africa and Asia, such as Tanzania  and Uganda , epilepsy is incorrect...

Parkinson's is a disorder of the central  nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors.  Nerve cell damage in the brain causes dopamine levels to drop, leading to the symptoms of Parkinson's.  Parkinson's often starts with a tremor in one hand. Other symptoms are slow movement, stiffness, and loss of balance.  Medications can help control the symptoms of Parkinson's. Ages affected are generally 20 years and older, but it is more common in individuals 40 years of age and older.  Symptoms begin gradually, often on one side of the body. Later they affect both sides.   As symptoms get worse, people with the disease may have trouble walking, talking, or doing simple tasks. They may also have problems such as depression, sleep problems, or trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking.  Daily living can become very difficult for those affected by Parkinson's, especially activities that used to be easy for affected individuals, including  ...

Down syndrome  is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21. Individuals with Down syndrome are born with this conditions.  Down syndrome causes a distinct facial appearance, intellectual disability, developmental delays, and may be associated with thyroid or heart disease.  Early intervention programs with a team of therapists and special educators who can treat each child's specific situation are helpful in managing Down syndrome. Individuals with Down syndrome possess varying degrees of cognitive delays, from very midl to severe.  Down syndrome is especially looked at as a disability within society, as those with Down syndrome are very set apart from a "typical individual." However, there are many judgements and negative beliefs about Down syndrome, some of those being:  people with Down syndrome cannot be active members of their community, segregated special education programs are the only...

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine. The body constantly absorbs and replaces bone tissue. With osteoporosis, new bone creation doesn't keep up with old bone removal. Many people have no symptoms until they have a bone fracture. Treatment includes medications, healthy diet, and weight-bearing exercise to help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones. It severely i nhibits daily function, as those with this disability sometimes cannot even walk on their own. In most cases, it is diagnosed later in life.   This condition shows disability because those with osteoporosis do not have strong enough bones to function on their own. However, osteoporosis can be overcome, and many with the condition can be integrated back into society. Pam was diagnosed with osteoporosis at ag e 46,...

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. It causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and ultimately the ability the carry out day-to-day tasks. The moods of bipolar range from periods of extremely "up," elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, "down." or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Both the manic and depressive periods can be brief, from just a few hours to a few days. Or the cycles can be much longer, lasting up to several weeks or even months. The periods of mania and depression vary from person to person-many people only experience very brief periods of these intense moods, and may not even be aware that they have the disorder.  Bipolar disorder can also be an invisible disability, especially with the stigma against mental health. This stigma has prevented people to feel comfortable with talking about what they're ...

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. It refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and difference. There is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences. The term "spectrum" reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism. Autism's most obvious sings tend to appear between the ages of 2 and 3. Some developmental delays associated with autism can be identified and addressed even earlier. Signs of autism include:  Inappropriate social interaction  Compulsive behavior  Repetitive movements  Persistent repetition of words or actions  Learning disability  Speech delay  Intense interest in a limited number of things  Proble...