Developmental Disability
A developmental disability is a physical and/or mental condition which
is either presents from birth or occurs before the person is 22 years
of age. The disability will likely continue indefinitely and affects major
life activities, such as mobility, language, learning, self sufficiency
and independent living. The most common developmental disabilities are
a result of autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy or mental retardation.
Mental Illness
Mental illness includes disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar, borderline
personality, obsessive-compulsive and other severe anxiety disorders,
autism and pervasive developmental disorders, and other severe and persistent
mental illnesses that affect the brain. These disorders affect cognitive
abilities, emotions, moods, sociability, and capacity for coping with
the demands of life.
Autism
Autism is a brain disorder that inhibits the ability to communicate, respond
to surroundings, or form relationships with others. Autism Spectrum Disorders
is a group of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by deficits in
social interaction, communication, and unusual and repetitive behavior.
Some, but not all, individuals with autism are non-verbal.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions
affecting body movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage
to the brain that occurs during fetal development, before, during or shortly
after birth, or during infancy. Faulty development or damage to motor
areas in the brain disrupts the brain's ability to adequately control
movement and posture.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition which affects the nervous system.
It is usually diagnosed after a person has had at least two seizures that
were not caused by a known medical condition like alcohol withdrawal or
extremely low blood sugar. It can be caused from a defect in brain structure
before birth, or a severe head injury or infection.
Post-Polio Syndrome
Post-polio syndrom is a condition that affects people who have recovered
from polio. It is characterized by muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain,
and fatigue.
Links
American Association on
Mental Retardation
Americans with Disabilities
Act
Autism
Society of America
Autism Speaks
The Arc
of Illinois
Centers for Disease Control
CTF
Commission on Accreditation
of Rehabilitation Facilities
Epilepsy Project
Equip
for Equality
Illinois Association of
Rehabilitation Facilities
Illinois Department
of Human Services
Illinois Department
of Public Aid
Illinois
Life Span
Illinois Special Olympics
Illinois Voice on Mental
Illness
National Center on
Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
National Organization on
Disability
New
Freedom Initiative
Post-Polio Health International
Southwest Community
Services, Inc.
United Cerebral Palsy
USA TechGuide - web guide to wheelchairs and assistive technology
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