A Look at the Common Types of Disabilities
Chances are this number is a little surprising, as disabilities cover a wide range of physical and mental health conditions, and some are more common than others. So, what are the most common types of disabilities? Let’s take a closer look in this piece.
Types of Disabilities Common in Adults and Children
A disability isn’t limited to age or gender. Although some conditions are more commonly diagnosed in children like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and osteoporosis is more prevalent in women than men, a disability can be presented in anyone.ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADHD is typically diagnosed in children but the disorder can last a lifetime. The disorder makes it difficult for students to concentrate and focus their attention. For students with the disorder, maintaining good or even passing grades is often a struggle.Adults often struggle to manage their time, set priorities, and follow directions. Even though ADHD can be treated with medication, managing the disorder can be difficult.
Learning Disorders
Like ADHD, learning disorders are typically diagnosed relatively early in life. Some learning disorders are accurately diagnosed by the time the student reaches the second or third grade.Some of the more common learning disorders include dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Sufferers often have difficulty keeping up with fellow students in class. Processing auditory and visual information is often challenging.
Learning disorders can be challenging but it’s possible to successfully overcome some, especially when caught early. Sessions with specialized educators can help students with dyslexia learn how to read. Allowing students with dyscalculia to use a calculator can help them overcome their difficulty with mathematics.
Not only does catching a learning disability early help ensure a child is successful in school but these same techniques can help them in their adult lives. An individual with dysgraphia probably isn’t going to choose a career as a writer but the techniques they learn in school can help them write an understandable job proposal.
Medical Disabilities
You may never know if a co-worker or classmate has a medical disability. Most aren’t immediately obvious. Remember not every medical condition has noticeable signs, even if you know what to look for. An individual with heart disease can live a perfectly normal and active life, especially when their condition is being treated and monitored.Other medical conditions are easier to spot like asthma. Chances are, you’re going to notice when a friend, co-worker, or classmate breaks out their inhaler. Allergies can also be considered a medical disability. You may not know someone has allergies unless they tell you or you see them reaching for an Epi-pen.
On top this, some other common types of medical disabilities include:
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Orthopedic issues like difficulty standing or walking
- Seizure disorder
Someone can also suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, and this disability is characterized by constantly feeling lethargic and having problems staying awake. Don’t even think about claiming you have chronic fatigue syndrome in hopes of catching a nap at work or school. This is a serious medical condition that negatively affects the lives of individuals suffering from the disability.
Even though it’s technically not illegal to claim you have a disability, as long as you’re not receiving any type of compensation for your pretend condition, it’s unethical and can cause you to lose your job.
If you’re receiving compensation for a non-existent disability, you can face fraud charges, and this can even apply if your only compensation is a preferred parking spot. Known as medical fraud, you can face anything from a fine to potential prison time.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries are almost always caused by an accident. The type of accident can vary from a car collision or slip and fall to a hard tackle on the football field. Recovering from a TBI often takes time and rehabilitation therapy. Even with treatment, the individual may never fully recover. Some TBI sufferers require a lifetime of care.If you or a loved one suffer a TBI due to someone’s negligence or malicious actions, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. This is when you want to contact a personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is more common in military members, especially if they saw or were in combat. The horrors of war are traumatic and can affect a person for life. Sometimes, PTSD symptoms are severe enough to limit the individual’s enjoyment of life.Even though you typically associate PTSD with members of the armed services, the disorder isn’t limited to the military. Anyone who experiences a traumatic event can develop PTSD symptoms. The best advice if you or a loved one is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is to seek counseling and therapy. Sometimes, talk therapy is an effective way of treating and managing the disorder.
Visual and Hearing Impairments
Yes, you have a disability if you’re wearing glasses or contacts, which indicates your vision isn’t 20/20, and anything else is considered a medical disability. Thankfully, most individuals can enjoy 20/20 vision with corrective lenses. Surgery like Lasik may also be enough to restore your eyesight. Older adults often have issues with cloudy corneas, and surgery may be a viable option to help restore eyesight.If you’re considered legally blind, disability resources like a cane and even a guide dog are often available to help ensure you can lead a full and safe life.
Hearing impairments are another type of common disability. If you have older relatives, some may wear hearing aids so they can participate in conversations. Like with visual impairments, surgery can be an option for some patients to restore all or partial hearing. If you’re deaf, you may also be able to take advantage of resources that can help improve your quality of life.
Whether the disability is obvious or hidden, it’s always a good idea to treat everyone with respect and kindness.
Do You Need An Attorney?
If so, post a short summary of your legal needs to our site and let attorneys submit applications to fulfill those needs. No time wasted, no hassle, no confusion, no cost.
Posted - 04/26/2024
Connect with us:
Learn about us:
