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.
Disorders in this issue:
LD 9.03-Directionality Organizational Disorder
Disability Category- Learning Disability
Definition
A type of organizational disorder specifically associated with difficulties in directionality, e.g., distinguishing left from right; learning north, south, east, west; or learning the layout of a large symmetrical building (Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, 2005).
Explanation
Students with directionality type disorder have great difficulty with orienting themselves in the right direction. They frequently get lost, roam as if they lack a direction or purpose, and seem confused and unable to maneuver around the school or community without getting lost.
These problems become quite apparent during physical education and/or locating a new classroom at the beginning of the school year. In physical education, this individual has significant problems copying the movements of the teacher, as well as difficulties mirroring responses. Going in the correct direction may require many practice runs before exhibiting adequate skills (Peniston, 1998).
HI 1.02-Pure word deafness
Disability Category- Hearing Impairments
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).
VI 1.07 Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Disability Category – Vision Impairments
Definition
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), also called erythema multiform major, is a disorder of the skin that can also affect the eyes(National Eye Institute, 2005h).
Explanation
SJS is characterized by painful, blistery lesions on the skin and the mucous membranes (the thin, moist tissues that line body cavities) of the mouth, throat, genital region, and eyelids. SJS can cause serious eye problems, such as severe conjunctivitis; iritis, an inflammation inside the eye; corneal blisters and erosions; and corneal holes. In some cases, the ocular complications from SJS can be disabling and lead to severe vision loss.
Scientists are not certain why SJS develops. The most commonly cited cause of SJS is an adverse allergic drug reaction. Almost any drug—but most particularly sulfa drugs—can cause SJS. The allergic reaction to the drug may not occur until 7–14 days after first using it. SJS can also be preceded by a viral infection, such as herpes or the mumps, and its accompanying fever, sore throat, and sluggishness. Treatment for the eye may include artificial tears, antibiotics, or corticosteroids. About one-third of all patients diagnosed with SJS have recurrences of the disease.
SJS occurs twice as often in men as women, and most cases appear in children and young adults under 30, although it can develop in people at any age (National Eye Institute, 2005h).
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