Issue # 31

Lesser Known Disorders

Each issue of this series contains at least three lesser known disorders. Some of these disorders may contain subtypes which will also be presented. You will also notice that each disorder has a code. These codes represent the coding system for all disabilities and disorders listed in the Educator’s Diagnostic Manual(EDM) Wiley Publications.

LD 12.10-Visual Pursuit and Tracking Disorder

Disability Category: Learning Disability

Definition

A type of visual processing disorder specifically associated with difficulties in tracking moving objects while seated or standing, and the ability to keep a stable visual image when the head or eyes are in motion (Behavioral Neurotherapy Clinic, 2006).

 

Explanation

To function comfortably and safely in the world, our eyes must be able to smoothly follow a moving object, make continuous adjustments in the positions of our eyes as we move about, shift our gaze quickly and accurately from one object to another. An individual with Visual Pursuit and Tracking Disorder will be unable to track one’s eyes from left to right in an efficient manner (Behavioral Neurotherapy Clinic, 2006).

For success in school, children must have other equally important visual skills besides their sharpness of sight, or visual acuity. They must also be able to coordinate their eye movements as a team. They must be able to follow a line of print without losing their place. They must be able to maintain clear focus as they read or make quick focusing changes when looking up to the board and back to their desks (Terry, 2001). And they must be able to interpret and accurately process what they are seeing. If children have inadequate visual skills in any of these areas, they can experience great difficulty in school, especially in reading (Children’s Vision Information Network, 2005).

It should be noted that medical problems associated with this child’s vision have been ruled out as a primary cause of the child’s difficulties. The difficulties are in the internal processing of information, not due to a visual impairment.

To top


OHI 14.01-Acromegaly

Disability Category-Other Health Impaired

 

Definition

Acromegaly is the Greek word for “extremities” and “enlargement.” When the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormones, this results in excessive growth — called acromegaly. The excessive growth occurs first in the hands and feet, as soft tissue begins to swell. Acromegaly affects mostly middle-aged adults. Untreated, the disease can lead to severe illness and death (University of Maryland Medical Center, 2004). Acromegaly is a serious systemic condition caused in over 98% of cases by an adenoma (i.e., benign tumor) of the pituitary gland that secretes excessive growth hormone (GH) (Pituitary Network Association, 2005).

 

Explanation

Symptoms of acromegaly vary depending on how long the patient has had the disease. The following are the most common symptoms. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently (Pituitary Network Association, 2005; University of Maryland Medical Center, 2004):

  • Arthritis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Colon polyps and colon cancer
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Enlargement of forehead (frontal bossing) and jaw (prognathism) with pronounced under- or overbite, spreading teeth, and enlarging tongue
  • Enlargement of hands (ring size), feet (shoe size) and head (hat size)
  • Headaches
  • Heart disease and heart enlargement (cardiomegaly and left ventricular hypertrophy)
  • Hypertension
  • Impotence, loss of libido
  • Interrupted menstrual cycle (amenorrhea)
  • Lactation (galactorrhea)
  • Loss of vision
  • Oily skin and excessive sweating
  • Sleep apnea
  • Soft tissue thickening of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
  • Tiredness, fatigue, depression

To top


HI 1.02 Pure Deafness

Disability Category: Hearing Impairment

Definition

Pure word deafness is a specific deficit of perception of spoken language while other auditory perception is intact. The individual’ speech is intact but some garbled language may be present at the onset of illness. Writing is normal while reading may be impaired (National Academy of Neuropsychology, 2000). In pure word deafness, comprehension and repetition of speech are impaired, but reading, writing, and spontaneous speech are preserved (Coslett, Brashear & Heilman, 1984).

 

Explanation

Pure word deafness is a subtype of central deafness. This disorder is defined as disturbed auditory comprehension without difficulties with visual comprehension. Patients characteristically have fluent verbal output, severe disturbance of spoken language comprehension and repetition, and no problems with reading or writing (Hain, 2004).

To top

Download this Issue

To Download a PDF file version of this Issue of the NASET’sLesser Known Disorders in Special Education Series CLICK HERE

To top

 


Use the “Recommend” and “Tweet” button below to let your friends on Facebook and Twitter know about this article.

Become a Member Today

Join thousands of special education professionals and gain access to resources, professional development, and a supportive community dedicated to excellence in special education.

Become a Member Today
Chat with NASET