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Intellectual and neurological 

Intellectual Disabilities

An intellectual disability is one that can cause limitation to intellectual functioning and social skills.

 

Intellectual functioning is commonly known as intelligence. Intelligence incorporates cognitive capacity, problem-solving skills, and learning. IQ tests are used to diagnose impairment in intellectual functioning. If a person scores below a 75 they may be diagnosed with an intellectual disability.

Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder also called Trisomy 21 where an extra full or partial chromosome 21 is copied in their DNA.

 

​ This extra genetic material can delay the individual’s intellectual and/or motor abilities

Down Syndrome Characteristcs 

  • Wide shorts hands and short fingers

  • Small nose, ears, and mouth

  • Almond shaped eyes

  • Decreased or poor muscle tone

  • Short neck

Consider the following with Down Syndrome Clients:

  • Neck instability 

  • Poor balance

  • Instability during flight phase

 

The severity of the delays and the presence of physical attributes vary from individual to individual.

 

 

 

Neurological  Disabilities

Neurological disability is caused by an injury to the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) which can lead to motor and intellectual delay. When the body's nervous system is damaged it can lead to the injury of the brain or spinal cord.

Injury of the brain or spinal cord can cause a motor and intellectual dysfunction. 

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures.  

 

To be diagnosed with epilepsy, a person must have experienced two unprovoked seizures.

 

Seizures can affect any part of the body, any activity in the brain can There are different types of seizures and triggers, so symptoms and risk will vary on a case by case basis.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

  • Rhythmic jerking movements

  • Tense, rigid muscles

  • Twitching

    • various body parts

  • Absence seizures

    • no physical movemnt seen

  • Spasms

  • Repetition of automatic movements

Consider the following with Epilepsy Clients:

  • Atypical absence 

    • staring spells

  • Injuries from falling or flailing

  • Muscle weakness

  • Changes in sensation

    • suddenly cold, hot, heart racing, etc.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease where the loss of cells in the brain and the spinal cord

can cause long term disability or dysfunction.

​

There are 5 stages of PD starting from more mild symptoms and increasing in severity at each level.

​

 Symptoms can develop slowly and at any age, but the severity and order of appearance will vary person to person.

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

  • Tremor

    • involuntary shaking

  • Stiffness in the limbs

  • Gait and balance dysfunction

  • Slowness of movement

Consider the following with Parkinson's Disease clients:

  • Hypomimia

    • loss of facial expression

  • Falling

  • Arrhythmic gait

  • Reduced range of motion

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a developmental disorder that is caused by brain damage/injury sustained during fetal development or birth.

 

Damage in the brain is done to the motor cortex, which controls muscle function and coordination. CP can also be accompanied by other conditions that affect the brain if there is damage in more than one area.

 

There are four different types of CP that differentiate the main motor disorder at hand. The Gross Motor Classification System (GMCS) classifies CP in order of severity ranging from level 1 to level 5. In more severe cases of CP, a person may use an assistive speech device and a mobile chair.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

  • Gait and balance dysfunction

  • Improper muscle tone

    • hypotonia

    • hypertonia

    • dystonia

  • Poor posture​​

Consider the following with Cerebral Palsy Clients:

  • Difficulties with fine motor control

  • ​​Instability

  • Falling

  • Stiffness in limbs

  • Abnormal reflexes

  • Lack of coordination

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