Disabilities Liasion Unit

Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of the synovium, a thin tissue lining each joint capsule, inflammation of the joint from crystals or from infection, or inflammation of the area where tendons insert into bones. Left untreated, inflammation can cause permanent damage to the cartilage, bone, and tendons and lead to pain, deformity and trouble with physical tasks.

The term "arthritis" refers to over 100 different types of rheumatic disease. Although the disease process for all types of arthritis differs from person to person and from disease to disease, all types of arthritis have certain features in common, which sometimes makes it difficult to accurately diagnose. Approximately 40 million people are affected by arthritis. The term arthritis refers to a group of disorders, which involve the body's joints and have similar symptoms.

The symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints and the surrounding area. Some types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis affects each person differently. It may attack one or more joints suddenly or gradually and may be constant and progressive or seem to come and go. Unfortunately the effects of arthritis are usually chronic, meaning that they will last a long time, perhaps for a lifetime. How much arthritis will affect a patient's ability to function will be determined by the severity of the condition, which joints are affected, and for how long.

 

Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome is a mild form of autism.  t s a neurobiological disorder affecting several area’s of one’s development.  Conversations may be one sided, overly focused on a narrow topic of interest, characterized by dreary language and monotony.  A person with AS would not be able to read the social cues or body language of others and may not be able to sense the feelings of others around them.  As a result, one with AS is likely to be considered odd or eccentric, leading to social isolation.

Other characteristics often identified with AS include: poor motor skills or clumsiness; sensory defensiveness; the inability to cope with certain physical sensations, such as particular sounds, smells or textures; dependency on sameness; inability to cope with change; difficulty with planning and prioritizing; obsessions with specific and limited topics of interest.  Given the impairments common to this disorder, individuals with AS are likely to have limited success n maintaining social relationships and considerable difficulty in many work situations.

 

Attention Deficit Disorder

ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though it's not yet understood why. Children with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing. They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through because they can't sit still, pay attention, or attend to details.

Of course, all children (especially younger ones) act this way at times, particularly when they're anxious or excited. But the difference with ADHD is that symptoms are present over a longer period of time and occur in different settings. They impair a child's ability to function socially, academically, and at home.

The good news is, with proper treatment, children with ADHD can learn to successfully live with and manage their symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms?

ADHD used to be known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD. In 1994, it was renamed ADHD and broken down into three subtypes, each with its own pattern of behaviors:

1. an inattentive type, with signs that include:

· inability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities

· difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities

· apparent listening problems

· difficulty following instructions

· problems with organization

· avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort

· tendency to lose things like toys, notebooks, or homework

· distractibility

· forgetfulness in daily activities

2. a hyperactive-impulsive type, with signs that include:

· fidgeting or squirming

· difficulty remaining seated

· excessive running or climbing

· difficulty playing quietly

· always seeming to be "on the go"

· excessive talking

· blurting out answers before hearing the full question

· difficulty waiting for a turn or in line

· problems with interrupting or intruding

3. a combined type, which involves a combination of the other two types and is the most common

Although it can often be challenging to raise kids with ADHD, it's important to remember they aren't "bad," "acting out," or being difficult on purpose. And children who are diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty controlling their behavior without medication or behavioral therapy.