Chapter 11 Physical Disabilities Health Impairments and ADHD

Chapter 11 Physical Disabilities, Health Impairments, and ADHD William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education , 8 e Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Components of IDEA Definitions • Orthopedic Impairment (OI) – Dysfunction of bones, joints, limbs, and associated muscles – Dysfunction of central nervous system affecting movement – Adversely affecting educational performance • Other Health Impairment (OHI) – Limited strength, vitality, or alertness due to chronic or acute health problems – Adversely affecting educational performance • Many children with OI and OHI receive services under other categories • Some do not require specialized educational services William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education , 8 e Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Orthopedic Impairments • Cerebral Palsy – Permanent disorder of voluntary movement and posture – Little relation between impairment and intellectual development – Classified according to muscle tone and motor movement • Spina Bifida – Congenital defect in the vertebra that enclose the spinal cord – Can result in paralysis below affected vertebra – Hydrocephalic condition common; treated with a shunt William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education , 8 e Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Orthopedic Impairments • Muscular Dystrophy – Progressive weakening and degeneration of the muscles – Little relation between impairment and intellectual development • Spinal Cord Injuries – Caused by fracture, stretching, or compression of spinal cord – Car accidents, sports injuries, and violence most common causes – Result in paralysis below affected vertebra William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education , 8 e Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Other Health Impairments • Seizure disorder (epilepsy) – Caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain – Three different categories based on severity – Seizures can be controlled with medicine • Diabetes – Chronic disorder of metabolism – Body unable to breakdown sugar – Treated with insulin, diet, and exercise William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education , 8 e Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Other Health Impairments • Asthma – Chronic lung disease resulting in a narrowing of airways – Leading cause of absenteeism in school • Cystic Fibrosis – Genetic disorder affecting pulmonary and digestive systems • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) – Children afforded legal protection under Section 504 William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education , 8 e Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder • The essential feature of ADHD is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity • Children with ADHD can be served under the “other health impairments” category • Estimates of prevalence of ADHD range from 3% to 5% of all school-age children • Two treatment approaches that are widely used with children with ADHD are drug therapy and behavioral intervention William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education , 8 e Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Characteristics • Children are more different than alike – Classification based on symptoms of little use in educational planning – For no other group of exceptional learner is the continuum of educational services more relevant • Three important factors that affect educational needs – Age of onset - children with congenital or acquired impairments have different needs – Visibility - the visibility of impairment may cause some to underestimate the child’s abilities and limit opportunities William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education , 8 e Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Educational Approaches • Often involve the collaboration of an interdisciplinary team – Teachers – Physical, occupational, and speech therapists, – Other health care specialists (e. g. , heath care aids) • Children with physical disabilities may also need environmental modifications – Examples include, wheelchair accessible classrooms, or other assistive technology • Inclusive attitude on the part of teaches and non-disabled peers – Students should be encouraged to develop as much independence as possible William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education , 8 e Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.

Current Issues and Future Trends • Related services in the classroom – Teachers will need to make accommodations for related services in the classroom • New and emerging technology – Myoelectric (bionic) limbs – Robotics • Animal assistance – Canine helpers in the classroom • Employment, life skills, and self-advocacy – Vocational and professional opportunities must be expanded William L. Heward Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education , 8 e Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 All rights reserved.