Haleigh Faucette

SPED-3100
Dr. Povenmire-Kirk
Summary: Other Health Impairments
Other health impairment means having limited strength, vitality or alertness,
including a heightened alertness to environmental stimuli that results in limited
alertness with respect to the educational environment. It is dues to chronic or acute
health problems such as asthma, ADD/ADHD, diabetes, epilepsy, a heart condition,
hemophilia, lead poisoning, leukemia, nephritis, rheumatic fever, and sickle cell
anemia. It adversely affects a childs educational performance.
Asthma
Asthma is the most chronic illness among children. Asthma is a lung disease that
causes episodes of extreme difficulty in breathing. It is often triggered by allergens,
including tree and grass pollen, dust, molds, animal dander, an food allergies to eggs,
seafood, and other items, as well as by strenuous physical activity. Only students
who have severe asthma are likely to be entitled to special education services.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the result of a central nervous system problem. It is sometimes called a
seizure disorder. It is a neurological condition in which damage to the brain leads to
periodic sudden, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity that may be seen a
seizures. Epilepsy occurs in two major categories:
Partial- (only part of the brain is affected)
Generalized- (the seizure is proceeded by a warning sign (smell, taste,
sound) and then the persons arms or legs jerk or contract)
HIV/AIDS
HIV: (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)- It is a virus that can take over a cells own
genetic material and then produce more diseased cells. The virus attacks the own
bodys immune system and is transmitted through contact with infected blood or
other body fluids.
AIDS: (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)- AIDS is a collection of illnesses,
including some cancers that only individuals with HIV can contract. Most students
who have AIDS become infected during their mothers pregnancies and mothers
abusing drugs.
Cancer
Cancer is an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells. It is relatively rare among
children but it does occur. The two most common types are Leukemia (blood cell
cancer) and brain tumors. Later students can be identified as learning disabled,
intellectually disabled, or behaviorally and emotionally disabled because of lasting
effects of their illness.