Disabilities in Children

Disabilities can have a major impact on a child's development. Unfortunately, there are a number of disabilities that affect millions of children all over the world. This is not only difficult on the child because not only do they suffer from their disability, but they're also forced to live in a society where disabilities are still being accepted, but it is also difficult for the parent. One of the hardest things to accept is that your child has a disability, especially one that causes them to suffer. There are different types of disabilities, both physical and mental, that affect people in all sorts of different ways. A few disabilities that can affect children's development are: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Deafness/Hearing Loss. If you have a child with a disability it is best to inform yourself about it as much as possible so that you can help your child develop to the best of their ability. 

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) can range in intensity. The more severe forms of this disorder are called "Autistic disorder" while the more milder form is called "Asperger syndrome". People with Autism struggle with communication and social relationships and tend to engage in stereotypical, repetitive and restricted behavior. Those with Asperger syndrome typically have better social skills and are better with social relationships, but still engage in obsessive and repetitive behavior (Santrock, 2014). Children with ASD do better in a more controlled environment with structure, smaller groups and personal instruction from the teacher. The number of children being diagnosed with ASD is increasing at an alarming rate. Researchers are still struggling to figure out what is the cause of this increase.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a form of a learning disability where children have difficulty paying attention and staying focused, hyperactivity, and little self control. ADHD has three different subtypes:

1. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
2. Predominantly inattentive
3. Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive (National Institute of Mental Health, (n.d.).

This disorder makes it more challenging for children to learn new information. There are treatments that may help reduce the symptoms such as medications or various forms of psychotherapy, however, there is no cure. However, the treatments available can help children with ADHD live more normal and successful lives. 

Deafness/Hearing Loss is a physical disability and makes it harder for children to learn because they cannot hear so they must find other ways to communicate with others. Hearing and speech are essential tools in a child's learning, the way they play as well as their social skills. Children with hearing loss miss a lot of the speech and language that surrounds them which could potentially result in delayed speech/language development, social skills and academic difficulties (Palo Alto Medical Foundation, 2015). There are options for children with hearing loss, depending on their unique situations. Surgery is sometimes an option as well as the option of hearing aids as well. Children with no options of repair learn to communicate in other ways, such as lip reading or sign language. 

These are just a few of the many disabilities that millions of children suffer from. If any parent suspects that anything might be wrong with their child, they need to go with their gut feeling and get them looked at by a doctor ASAP. The doctor will perform the necessary tests and diagnose the child based on the results. Each disability affects children in all sorts of different ways and as parents, we have to be their strength and show them what they're still capable of. Encouraging them and praising them for their new accomplishments will help them build self esteem which will take them a lot further in life than they could ever imagine. Parenting a child with a disability is very difficult and challenging but also very rewarding at the same time. 

Sources: 

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d). What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD?). Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml

Palo Alto Medical Foundation. (2015). Hearing Loss in Children. Retrieved from http://www.pamf.org/hearinghealth/facts/children.html