A list of common disabilities/disorders

A few common disabilities...

I've compiled a brief outline of some common learning difficulties and disorders. This is for people who know they are struggling, but aren't sure what their problem might be, or for people who are interested in finding out more about what these disorders entail.

When reading these lists please remember that they're only a brief summary and that each condition is far more complex. People with a condition don't necessarily display all of the symptoms described, and a person's symptoms may overlap with more than one condition.

If you have any suggestions to make, I intend to update and improve it. It is a work in progress.

If you have any questions or need anything explained please don't hesitate to PM me.

ADD/ADHD

Asperger Syndrome

Discalculia

Dyslexia

Dyspraxia

High Functioning Autism

Spoiler

Reply 1

k9ruby

Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified

A pervasive developmental disorder is a disorder characterised by delays in the development of certain skills such as socialisation and communication. Prevasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified is used to describe a person who may fit the features of a pervasive developmental disorder/autistic spectrum disorder but doesn't fit the full profile for a specific PDD such as Autism or Asperger’s Disorder.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a deficiency in the ability to write. This isn’t as a result of any intellectual impairment. Instead, someone with dysgraphia lacks the co-ordination and fine motor skills needed to write quickly and legibly. Due to their poor motor skills they may find other tasks difficult (eg. Tying show laces). They may have a reduced handwriting speed but may also make spelling mistakes frequently (eg. Getting “bs” and “ds” mixed up).

Dysgraphia can also be a symptom of a number of other conditions such as dyspraxia.

Sensory Intergrative Disorder - Sometimes abbreviated to "SID" or called "Sensory Processing Disorder", it is a neurological condition that causes difficulties with processing information from the senses (the five classic senses; sight, sound, touch, taste and smell plus movement and the sense of position). Information from the sense is still sense normally, but processed differently and causes distress.

Signs of SPD include: -

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Physical clumsiness

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Unusually high or low activity movements

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Inapproptiate response (often particularly sensitive) to touch, sights, sounds etc.

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Poor self-esteem

A person can be diagnosed with a Sensory Processing Disorder alone, however, it is also linked to other conditions such as Autistic Spectrum Disorders (Autism, High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Disorder), Developmental Disorders (eg. Dyspraxia), Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and some specific learning disabilities (eg. Dyslexia).

Hypotonia

Hyptonia is a condition characterised by low muscle tone and strength. It’s not a specific medical disorder, but a manifestation of different disorders including dyspraxia and hypotonic cerebral palsy.

Reply 2

Titch89

Eye and Sight Disorders

Conditions and Terms

Squint

Photophobia

Albinism

Astigmatism

Nystagmus

Reply 3

River85

These are some neurological conditions and mental illness'. Please be aware that I am not a medical professional. This post (and all the others in this sticky) should serve as a rough guideline only. A helpful collection of links (for those with these conditions to find further support) and a general summary of common conditions (for friends and relatives to gain more information).

Please don't use this information to self-diagnose. If you think you may have a condition then please see your GP.

Neurological Conditions

Epilepsy

Narcolepsy

Mental Illness'

Depression

Bipolar Disorder