Disabilities, disorders in children
Children in orphanages and specialist schools are very special cases. Unlike typical orphanages, the children you’ll meet are extremely neglected and many suffer from developmental, learning and physical disabilities. This page will list some of the disabilities you may encounter.
Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is when a baby is born with an extra chromosome (sex cell). This extra chromosome damages the way a child grows mentally and physically. Children with Down Syndrome have a recognizable face: flat face, slanted eyes, small ears, large tongue and stunted growth. Children with this disorder take longer to develop, i.e. learning to walk or speaking or learning to use the toilet. They also have a difficult time learning, staying focused or speaking clearly. People with Down Syndrome can have many medical problems as they get older.
Cerebral Palsy
A disorder that affects muscle tone (lack of muscle), movement and the ability to move in a coordinated way. It is caused by brain damage before, during or a few years after a baby’s birth. It can also cause learning disabilities and speech problems. People with CP may have problems hearing or seeing, cannot eat (or swallow) and have weak bones. There is no cure, but treatment can help with many of the problems.
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects the brain and how it develops. Children with autism have trouble communicating with other people, and have trouble learning in school. They may not play with or talk to other children or adults, not keep eye contact, may repeat actions (tapping, moving in the same way) or not understand simple language. Children with autism may seem like they are in their “own world.
Asperger Syndrome
Related to autism, people with Asperger’s may be anti-social, talk to themselves, repeat the same words or sentences, have problems reading, writing or doing math, behave oddly and be obsessed with certain patterns or music.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a lifelong problem that causes sufferers to have seizures. Seizures may happen at any time and for any reason. Some seizures are small and not noticeable, while others may leave the sufferer unconscious.
Multiple Sclerosis
People with MS suffer from “roadblocks” in their nervous system and muscles. If you hit your toe, you will feel pain immediately. People with MS don’t know they have hit and hurt their toe. Over time, MS can lead to vision problems, weakness, difficulty walking, numbness and memory problems.
Blindness and deafness
Some children may suffer from vision or hearing loss.