Children With Special Needs-

Divyang (CWSN)
Table of Contents

 Children With Special Needs- Divyang (CWSN)

 Concept of Disability and Disorders
 Disability
 Disorder
 Types of Disability, It's Causes And Nature
 Disability Etiquettes
 Aim And Objective of Adaptive Physical Education
 Role Of Various Professionals For Children With Special Needs

Concept of Disability and Disorders

Disability
Disability is an impairment that may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual,
mental, physical, sensory or some combination of these.

It is a functional limitation or restriction of an individual’s ability to perform an

activity. It means disability creates obstruction in the normal function or
movement of an individual. It limits and restricts the activity of a person.

Disorder
The disorder is a problem that disrupts normal physical or mental functions. It is a
state of confusion that interrupts normal function. It is an abnormality of physical
and mental states like psychiatric disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality
disorders. The disorder may be resulting from a genetic failure in development or
from external factors such as poison, trauma, or disease.

Types of Disorders

 ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

 SPD ( Sensory Processing Disorder)
 ASD ( Autism Spectrum Disorder)
 ODD ( Oppositional Defiant Disorder)
 OCD ( Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
 ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
It is a brain disorder that is characterized by problems paying attention, excessive
activity, or difficulty controlling behavior. Individuals may have some problems
focusing on activities. They may be hyperactive or may be unable to control their
impulses. It has three types

 Inattention: Children lack concentration in any work, have difficulty sustaining

focus, and are unorganized.
 Hyperactivity: Children are unusually or abnormally active. They have impulsive
actions, a shorter attention span, and are easily distracted.
 Impulsive: Impulsivity is the tendency to act without thinking about the
consequences.
Causes

 Genetic factors are one of the main cause

 Children with low birth weight
 When a baby’s brain is damaged before or after birth
 Lack of discipline in the family
 Addiction to a certain diet
 Exposure to toxic substances at an early age.

SPD ( Sensory Processing Disorder )

It is a condition in which the brain has difficulty in receiving and responding to
information that comes in through the senses. It is some sort of neurological jam
that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information required to
interpret sensory information accurately.

Sensory processing disorder may affect our senses such as touch, sight, taste, or
movement. In this disorder, the person may scream when touched, or dive under
the table after hearing the sound. In some cases, they remain unresponsive to
anything around them. Even he may fail to give a response to Extreme heat or
cold for pain.

Causes

 Genetic factors are one of the main causes

 Low birth weight is another cause
 Excessive restrictions in early life
 Have differences in brain structure

ASD ( Autism Spectrum Disorder )

It includes a wide range and levels of disability. Individual ability to function in
society, at school, at work, or in other areas of life gets hurt.

Some people are mildly impaired, while others are severely disabled. Early
treatment and proper care can reduce difficulties while helping them to learn new
skills and make the most of their strength.

People with an ASD often have these characteristics:

Ongoing social problems include difficulty in communicating and interacting with

others and obsessive interests.

Repetitive behavior as well as Limited interest in activities.

Difficulties in language, social skills, and behavior

Causes

 Biological or genetic factors: Something happens during fetal development.

Children may inherit problematic genes from parents.
 Environmental Factors: High levels of pollution and pesticides in food may also
be one of the reasons.
 Brain Development: The connection between the brain cells are not proper,
which may be another cause.

ODD ( Oppositional Defiant Disorder )

It is a condition in which a child displays an ongoing pattern of angry or irritable
mood, and argumentative, hostile behavior directed towards authority.
 Individuals behave like rebels, argue with adults, and refuse to obey any rules.
They exhibit angry outbursts and have a hard time controlling their anger or
aggression. They have difficulty making friends and have low esteem. They have
negativity in their behavior.

Causes

 Biological or genetic causes: Children may develop ODD if their parents have a
history of ADHD or ODD.
 Physical Factors: when an imbalance exists and messages are not
communicated properly with other parts of the brain, the symptoms may occur.
 Psychological Factors: Children may develop this if they have bad relationships
with parents or neglectful parents.
 Social Factors: It may happen due to poverty, chaotic environment in the family,
and exposure to violence

OCD ( Obsessive Compulsive

Disorder )
It is a mental disorder where people feel the need to check things repeatedly or
have certain thoughts repeatedly. They have fear of contamination by germs,
getting dirty, making mistakes, being embarrassed, etc. They do some common
activities which include repeated hand washing, repeated counting, checking
things over and over again, repeating certain words, and so on.

Causes

 Serotonin which sends messages in the brain sends improper messages from one
part of the Brain to others, which may cause OCD

Types of Disability, It’s Causes And Nature

Physical Disability & Intellectual Disability

Some individuals are disabled right at birth, others get disabled due to some
incidence during the course of their lives. Some disabilities are as follows:

Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability is a condition of mental retardation which occurs due to the
damage in brain cells for various known and unknown reasons. Mental and
physical development becomes relatively lesser due to this condition. All mentally
retarded children are not alike. Levels and severity of the problems are different
for everyone.

Characteristics of Mental Retardation

 A mentally-retarded child does not easily learn any activity like other
children.
 Such children feel difficulty in sitting, in changing their position, and using
their hands, etc.
 They respond very late to the surrounding incidents and to the speech of
others.
 The child does not express his feelings in such a way that other people can
understand him easily.
 The child can only remember any event or activity for a very short span of
time.
 Abnormality is seen in their walking and performing activity on their own.
 These children have difficulty in taking control over their emotions.
 Sometimes the deformities are seen in their face, e.g., jaws, teeth, head,
salivation, etc.
 Such a child cannot concentrate on any individual or a task for a long time.
 It is difficult for them to understand others point of view except for daily
orders.
 They have problems in synthesizing news and information.
Down Syndrome:

It is a disorder causing developmental and intellectual delay. It is a genetic

disorder which occurs when abnormal cell division causes extra third copy of
chromosome 21.

Hence, it is also known as trisomy 21. Person with down syndrome may have flat
facial features, small head and ears, short neck, bulging tongue and poor muscle
tone.

Physical Disability

Physical impairment disrupts the child’s activities. He may find difficulty in

walking, running, getting up, sitting, standing or not able to perform his own work,
etc. This disability can be related to sensory organs as well as external organs of
the child’s body.

Given below are some examples of physical disabilities:

1. Cerebral palsy: It is known as paralysis of the brain, due to which the
condition and the speed of the body is affected and consequently locomotor
disability is caused

2. Spina bifida: It is also known as final biceps this abnormality is by birth in

which there is a deformity in the backbone

3. Congenital anomalies: Some children have congenital deformities

sometimes. When both feet or one foot of a child is folded inwards at the time of
birth.

4. Muscular Dystrophy: It is a kind of locomotor deformity in which the child is

born normal and after 3 years of birth the deformity starts in child’s muscles

5. Poliomyelitis: This disability is due to polio virus infection. Polio virus

damages the anterior horn cell of the backbone as a result of which disability
occurs.

6. Leprosy cured person: The sensitivity of the organs affected by Leprosy is

eliminated. Due to lack of sensibility the person works negligently.

7. Undeveloped Organ: In this other organs grow while the growth of leg or
hand stops

Types of Disability
♿ Physical Disability
It is a limitation of individuals’ physical functioning which may be related to the
upper or lower body. These are generally related to musculoskeletal, circulatory,
respiratory, and nervous systems.
Disability in mobility can be either inborn or acquired with age.

Sensory Disability
Sensory impairment is when one of the senses; sight, hearing, smell, touch, and
taste is no longer normal.

⏩ Spinal cord disability: It can lead to lifelong disability. It generally occurs due to
severe accidents.

⏩ Brain Disability: This type of disability occurs due to brain injury from external
forces.
⏩ Vision Disability: This is related to vision problems that may be in-born or
happen afterward. Vision disability may be mild, moderate, severe, or blindness.

⏩ Hearing Disability: It includes people that are completely or partially deaf.

People who are partially deaf can use hearing aids. It can be evident at birth or
occur later in life.

Cognitive or Learning Disability:

It is a neurological disorder. It can affect an individual’s ability to read, speak and
write.

⏩ Memory Disorder: Individual who has auditory problems or difficulty in

remembering something.

⏩ Dyslexia: Individuals have difficulties in writing, reading, and speaking.

Intellectual Disability:
This disability is related to the limitations of intellectual functioning (such as
reasoning, and learning) and Adaptive behavior ( such as social and practical
skills).

Disability Etiquettes
1.Be respectful and treat everyone with kindness: People with disabilities
deserve the same respect and consideration as anyone else. Use polite language
and avoid making assumptions or stereotypes about their abilities.

2. Use person-first language: Instead of labeling someone by their disability,

put the person first. For example, say “a person with a disability” instead of “a
disabled person.”

3. Ask before offering help: If you encounter someone with a disability who
appears to need assistance, always ask before jumping in to help. Respect their
independence and allow them to decide if they need assistance.

4. Be mindful of physical space: Some disabilities may require more space to

maneuver, so try not to block wheelchair ramps or designated accessible areas.

5. Avoid using wrong language: Be cautious with phrases that may

unintentionally offend people with disabilities. Refrain from using terms like
“crippled” or “handicapped.”
6. Communicate directly: When speaking to someone with a disability, address
them directly rather than talking to their companion or caregiver. Treat them like
you would anyone else.

7. Ask if you’re unsure: If you’re unsure about how to interact with someone
with a disability or what accommodations they might need, feel free to politely
ask. Most people will appreciate your genuine interest in understanding their
needs.

8. Respect personal boundaries: Just like with anyone else, respect personal
space and avoid touching or leaning on mobility aids without permission.

9. Be patient and listen: Some individuals with disabilities might communicate

differently or require more time to express themselves. Be patient and give them
the opportunity to fully participate in conversations.

10. Recognize invisible disabilities: Not all disabilities are visible. Keep in mind
that someone may have a disability that is not immediately apparent, so avoid
making assumptions based on appearances alone.

11. Advocate for accessibility: Encourage and support initiatives that promote
accessibility in public spaces, transportation, and workplaces, making it easier for
people with disabilities to participate fully in society.

Aim And Objective of Adaptive

Physical Education
Adaptive Physical Education is an individualized program of instruction created for
students with disabilities that enable success in Physical Education.

Adaptive Physical Education provides a safe, personally satisfying, and successful

experience for students of varying abilities.

It is a diversified program and includes developmental and remedial activities.

Aim: Adaptive Physical Education aims to ensure that the child is provided with
physical education services that meet his/her needs, and that aim to achieve
physical, mental, emotional, and social growth.

Objectives:

 To develop students’ motor skills

 To develop self-esteem and promote sportsmanship
  To develop social qualities for adjustment in the society
 To provide an opportunity to learn and to participate in several appropriate
recreational and leisure time sports and activities.
 To develop organic and neuromuscular systems
 To develop knowledge and an appreciation of his physical and mental
limitations.
 To help students to understand and appreciate a variety of sports that can
enjoy as non-participants or spectators.
Organizations promoting Adaptive Sports

Special Olympic Bharat

It is the organization approved by the National Sports Federation and Special

Olympic International for the development of persons with intellectual disabilities.

It is a movement that uses sports to reform the lives of disabled people. It gives
training and coaching to build interest in sports, skill perfection, social interaction,
communication skills, talent, and leadership abilities in intellectually disabled
persons.

Paralympic

Paralympic Games involve Athletes with a range of disabilities including impaired

muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, limb deficiency, leg length
difference, short stature, hypertonia, vision impairment, and intellectual
impairment.

Deaflympics

The Deaflympics are an international event sanctioned by the IOC at which deaf
athletes compete at an elite sports level. It provides opportunities for deaf
persons to participate in elite sports.

The Deaflympic participants cannot be guided by sounds like the starter’s guns or
referee whistles.

Role Of Various Professionals For

Children With Special Needs

Role of Various Professionals

Role of counselor

A school counselor helps children in all ways, be it academic, social, behavioral,al

or emotional.
They work in collaboration with the parents, teachers, and special educators to
create a healthy learning environment that makes them feel comfortable.

Role of Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist will provide education and resources to teachers and
parents about how children typically develop motor skills and how to promote this
development in the classroom and at home.
They help teachers learn to recognize and help children who may have motor skill
problems which are making some daily activities a challenge to learn.

Role of Physiotherapist

Physiotherapy is an allied health care profession that promotes the health and
well-being of all.
It aims to help maximize movement and functions when someone is affected by
injury, illness, developmental delay or other disability.

Role of Physical Education Teacher

Physical Education Teachers are responsible for the education of primary and
secondary school students in physical activity and psychomotor learning.
He is responsible for the overall wellness and development of students.

PET evaluates the student’s performance, attitude, and level of Physical Fitness.
Students are evaluated in periodic tests that give teachers a better picture of
students’ overall health and level of athletic skill.

Role of Speech Therapist

Speech and language therapy is concerned with the identification, assessment,

and support of speech, language, and communication of children.
They work closely with parents, teachers, nurses, occupational therapists, and
doctors. Speech and language therapists have an important role in supporting
schools to meet the needs of children.

Role of Special Educator:

A special educator develops appropriate activities, curriculam and the methods of
their implementation for the children with special needs so that the children
maybe able to participate easily