Difference Between Disability and Disorder in Children - Google Docs.pdf
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Sep 03, 2025
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Difference Between Disability and Disorder in Children | Fidicus Autism
Size: 1.31 MB
Language: en
Added: Sep 03, 2025
Slides: 9 pages
Slide Content
Difference Between Disability and
Disorder in Children | Fidicus Autism
Understanding the difference between a disability and a disorder in children is essential for
parents, caregivers, and educators. A disability generally refers to a long-term condition that
limits a child’s ability to perform everyday activities, such as cerebral palsy or visual impairment.
In contrast, a disorder is a clinical diagnosis based on specific symptoms and patterns, such as
ADHD,autism spectrum disorder, or anxiety. Whiledisabilities are more about functional
limitations, disorders are identified through medical and psychological assessments.
Early recognition of both conditions ensures timely intervention. This is where homeopathy
offers gentle, holistic support. Instead of focusing only on symptoms, homeopathic treatment
addresses the child’s overall constitution—emotional, physical, and mental well-being. For
parents of aSpecial Needs Childseeking safe andnatural care, homeopathy provides an
individualized approach that helps children lead healthier, more confident lives.
What is Disability in Children?
A disability refers to a long-term condition that limits a child’s ability to carry out everyday
activities compared to others of the same age. It can affect movement, learning, communication,
or interaction with the environment.
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For example:
●A child with cerebral palsy may have difficulty walking.
●A child with severe visual impairment may require Braille learning.
●A child with intellectual disability may find academic learning harder and need special
education support.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines disability as an interaction between health
conditions (like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or autism) and personal/environmental barriers
(like stigma, lack of accessibility, or limited support services).
Types of Disability
Types of Disability in children vary widely, depending on which part of development or
functioning is affected. Recognizing these types helps parents, doctors, and teachers provide
the right support.
1.Physical Disabilities – mobility limitations due to musculoskeletal or neurological issues.
Example: Cerebral palsy, spina bifida.
2.Sensory Disabilities – affect one or more senses.
Example: Blindness, deafness, visual impairments, hearing loss.
3.Intellectual Disabilities – significantly below-average intellectual functioning and adaptive
behaviour.
Example: Down syndrome, global developmental delay.
4.Developmental Disabilities – conditions beginning in childhood that affect development
permanently.
Example: Autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, ADHD (sometimes
overlapping with disorders).
5.Multiple Disabilities – combination of two or more disabilities, such as blindness with
intellectual disability.
Causes of Disability in Children
Causes of Disability can arise at different stages of a child’s development — before birth, during
delivery, or after birth. Knowing these causes helps in early detection, prevention where
possible, and planning long-term care.
●Genetic:Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities caninterfere with normal development
and functioning. These conditions are often inherited or caused by random changes in
genes.
●Prenatal:Disabilities may occur during pregnancydue to maternal health problems,
infections, or nutritional deficiencies. The fetus is highly vulnerable to harmful exposures.
●Perinatal:Complications around the time of birthcan cause lasting disabilities if the
newborn’s brain or body is deprived of oxygen or injured.
●Environmental & Social Causes:A child’s environmentalso plays a major role in
disability risk. Poor access to healthcare, exposure to toxins, and lack of preventive
measures can contribute significantly.
Some disabilities are preventable (e.g., polio through vaccination), while others are congenital
and lifelong.
What is Disorder in Children?
A disorder is a clinical condition defined by medical or psychological criteria. It refers to a set of
symptoms, behaviours, or functional disruptions rather than the long-term outcome.
For example:
●Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)– Affects social communication,language
development, and behaviour. Children may show repetitive behaviours, difficulty
understanding social cues, or delayed speech.
●ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)–Impacts focus, attention, and
impulse control. Children may appear restless, struggle to complete tasks, or act
impulsively.
●Specific Learning Disorders– dyslexia, dysgraphia,dyscalculia.
●Anxiety and Mood Disorders– Emotional challengessuch as separation anxiety,
social phobia, depression, or excessive worry that interferes with school and daily life.
Unlike disability, a disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe, and sometimes may not result in a
permanent disability.
Types of Disorders
Types of disorders commonly found in children are varied and can affect learning, behaviour,
emotions, or overall development. Recognising these categories helps in early intervention and
choosing the right therapies.
1.Neurodevelopmental Disorders– These begin in early childhood and affect brain
development, leading to difficulties in learning, behaviour, or communication.
2.Learning Disorders– These affect specific academicskills even though the child may
have normal intelligence. They often become noticeable once the child starts school.
3.Behavioural and Emotional Disorders– These disordersaffect how children regulate
emotions and interact with others. They often interfere with daily functioning and
relationships.
4.Medical/Neurological Disorders– Some disorders arerooted in neurological or
medical conditions that affect the child’s brain and nervous system.
5.Communication Disorders– These involve problems inspeech, language, or the
ability to communicate effectively.
Causes of Disorders in Children
The causes of disorders in children are usually complex and rarely due to a single factor. They
often arise from a combination of biological, environmental, and social influences.
●Genetic predisposition:Many childhood disorders havea hereditary component,
meaning they can run in families. Certain gene variations can increase vulnerability.
●Neurological factors:Brain development and functioningcan contribute to disorders
when there are structural or chemical imbalances.
●Environmental factors:The child’s surroundings significantlyshape mental and
emotional health.
●Medical conditions:Certain medical problems can triggeror worsen disorders in
children.
●Combination factors:Achild with ADHDmay also have learning difficulties, showing
how disorders can overlap.
What is the Difference Between Disability and Disorder?
Parents and teachers often use the terms disability and disorder interchangeably, but they
actually describe different aspects of a child’s condition. Understanding the disability and
disorder difference helps in making the right decisions about medical care, and educational
support.
Disability
●Focus:Disability describes theimpacton daily functioning.It highlights what a child can
or cannot do compared to peers of the same age.
●Nature:Usually long-term or permanent.
●Context:Often recognised legally or socially to provideaccommodations (like extra time
in exams or assistive devices).
Disorder
●Focus:Disorder refers to aclinical diagnosismadeby doctors or psychologists. It
describes a pattern of symptoms or behaviours that fit recognised medical criteria.
●Nature:Can be mild, moderate, or severe — sometimestemporary, sometimes lifelong.
●Context:Used mainly in medical and therapeutic settingsto plan treatment.
Overlap Between Disability and Disorder
●A child with autism (disorder) may have difficulty communicating, making friends, and
coping in school. These functional challenges are considered a disability.
●Some disorders do not always cause disability. For example, a child with mild anxiety
disorder may still function well in school.
Social vs. Medical Use
●Disability:Commonly used ineducational, social,and legalsystems. It ensures children
get necessary accommodations like special education, assistive devices, or disability
certificates for support.
●Disorder:Primarily used inmedical and psychologicalcontexts for diagnosis and
treatment planning. It helps guide therapies such as counselling, medication, or
behavioural interventions.
How Homeopathy Helps
At Fidicus Autism, parents often ask how homeopathy can support children with disabilities and
disorders. While homeopathy doesn’t replace medical therapies, it can provide holistic support.
Role of Homeopathy (Step-by-step):
1.Holistic Evaluation:Homeopathic doctors study thechild’s physical, emotional, and
behavioural profile.
2.Personalized Remedies:Medicines are prescribed basedon individuality rather than
“one-size-fits-all.”
○Example: A restless, impulsive child may get a different remedy than a
withdrawn, quiet child.
3.Symptom Management:Homeopathy helps with anxiety,hyperactivity, poor sleep,
digestive issues, and mood swings, which can worsen disability or disorder.
4.Family Guidance:Diet, lifestyle, and stress managementsupport parents as well as
children.
Benefits Reported by Parents:
●Improved concentration and calmness.
●Reduction in repetitive behaviours.
●Better sleep patterns.
●Enhanced emotional stability.
Note:Homeopathy does not claim to cure conditionslike autism or cerebral palsy but helps in
symptom management and improving quality of life.
Conclusion
Understanding the Difference Between Disability and Disorder helps parents provide the right
care, therapies, and support for their children. Disability reflects long-term impact, while disorder
refers to a clinical diagnosis. Both can overlap but need different approaches.
Homeopathy at Fidicus Autism offers a safe, supportive system to help manage symptoms,
improve well-being, and enhance developmental progress in children. Combined with therapies
and medical care, it creates a balanced path toward better growth and functioning.