Table of Contents
Introduction
There are many types of disabilities. Some disabilities are visible, like Down Syndrome, amputations, or Cerebral Palsy. Invisible disabilities or hidden disabilities are disabilities that are not immediately apparent or noticeable to others. Some invisible disabilities are anxiety disorders, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and chronic pain.
Disabilities can happen at any point in life. Some disabilities are present from birth that will have a life-long impact on the person, including birth injuries and birth defects. These types of disabilities can be inherited and caused by accidents or environmental factors during pregnancy or delivery. People may experience disabilities later in life due to accidents, illness, or substance abuse. Many become disabled simply due to the aging process and age-related conditions.
Disabilities also affect people differently, even when one person has the same type of disability as another. For example, autism is a spectrum disorder, which means individuals with autism have distinctive strengths and challenges. Some people with autism may be nonverbal, but some can communicate very well. When we meet one person with autism, we meet one person with autism.
The best way to get to know any person with disabilities is to spend time with them, discovering their unique personalities, likes and dislikes, and strengths and weaknesses. However, knowing the characteristics of different types of disabilities will increase our awareness and help us better interact with people affected by different disabilities. This blog will focus on the main categories of disabilities. In future posts, we will look into more details on specific disabilities. Readers will also find useful information and helpful resources in those articles.
Developmental Disability
Developmental disability is a group of chronic conditions due to mental or physical impairment that impedes growth and development in various areas of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 6 children in the United States have one or more developmental disabilities or other developmental delays.
The most common developmental disabilities are:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Motor Disorders
Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability is a generalized neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior before age 22. The diagnosis of intellectual disability is based on the assessment of intelligence across three domains defined by the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The three domains are:
- The conceptual domain includes language, reading, writing, math, reasoning, knowledge, and memory skills.
- The social domain concerns empathy, social judgment, interpersonal relationships, and other social capabilities.
- The practical domain focuses on self-management in personal care, money management, and other everyday life skills.
Common intellectual disabilities are:
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Down Syndrome
- Fetal alcohol syndrome
Learning Disability
There is some confusion between intellectual disability and learning disability. An individual with an I.Q. below 70 would be labeled as intellectually disabled. On the other hand, learning disability refers to a group of disorders that cause difficulties in areas of academic and functional skills. The I.Q. of a person with learning disabilities may be average, even above average.
Learning disabilities are the brain’s difficulties in comprehending and processing information. The three main types of learning disabilities affect the fundamental academic skills in reading (dyslexia), arithmetic (dyscalculia), and writing (dysgraphia).
Physical Disability
Physical disability refers to any limitations that inhibit the physical functioning, mobility, or dexterity of one or more limbs of a person. The causes of physical disabilities vary, ranging from heredity, accidents, injuries, illnesses, or post-surgery effects. The impaired physical condition can be temporary or permanent.
Some examples of physical disability are:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Amputation
- Spina Bifida
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Musculoskeletal Injuries
Emotional or Behavioral Disability
An emotional or behavioral disability is a condition that impacts a person’s ability to recognize and interpret social cues, control behaviors, and express emotions effectively and appropriately. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) uses the term, Emotional Disturbance, to characterize this group of disabilities. Many think the term, Emotional Disturbance, is stigmatizing and may even exclude students with behavioral issues. As a result, people use emotional disability, behavioral disability, or mental health disorders interchangeably.
Some specific conditions are:
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety disorder
- Schizophrenia
Sensory Disability
Sensory disability is a neurological disorder that affects the human brain to properly process sensory information, such as sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. Some examples are:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Visual Impairment
- Hearing Impairment
- Somatosensory Impairment
- Balancing Disorder
- Sensory Processing Disorder
1. CDC. (2022, April 19). Developmental Disabilities | CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/index.html
2. Defining Criteria for Intellectual Disability. (n.d.). AAIDD_CMS. Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://www.aaidd.org/intellectual-disability/definition
3. Psychiatry.org—DSM-5 Fact Sheets. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm/educational-resources/dsm-5-fact-sheets
4. Konczal, E. (n.d.). Sensory Disabilities. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://kines.rutgers.edu/dshw/disabilities/sensory/1061-sensory-disabilities