DISABILITY GLOSSARY

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Acronyms - abbreviations for programs, laws, conditions, etc. used among professionals and families in the industries. Here is a printable list of acronyms that are commonly used.

Adaptive behavior - means that the person has overall adaptive behavior which is significantly limited in two or more skill areas (communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure, and work), as measured by an instrument which is standardized, appropriate to the person's living environment, and administered and clinically determined by a qualified professional.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) - a comprehensive set of laws designed to protect and ensure equality regarding the rights of persons who have mental or physical disabilities. The U.S. Department of Justice is in charge of enforcing this particular law. To obtain a copy of the ADA you can call the ADA Hotline at (800) 514-0301.

Angelman's Syndrome - a neurogenic disorder first described by British physician Harry Angelman in 1965. There are currently about 1,000 cases in the United States. Angelman's Syndrome is the result of missing genetic information on the maternal side of the 15th chromosome. Classic characteristics of the disorder include: a jerky gait or walk, severe developmental delays, short attention span, absence of speech, protruding tongue, wide mouths, widely spaced teeth, drooling, seizures, sleep disturbances, and an extremely happy personality accompanied by excessive laughing and smiling.

Asperger's Syndrome (AS)- a developmental disorder that effects a persons ability to understand other people and socially interact with them. People with AS, while having trouble making eye contact, are unable to read and respond to social cues and body language. Persons with AS tend to repeat certain phrases or words repeatedly. Symptoms of the syndrome can include: clumsiness or lack of coordination, extreme self-absorption, limited interests, unusual preoccupations, ritual or repetitive routines, speech and language peculiarities and non-verbal communication difficulties. AS is a Spectrum Disorder which means that symptoms range greatly. 

Aphasia - an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write. Aphasia is always due to injury to the brain, most commonly from a stroke, particularly in older individuals. Aphasia may also result from head trauma, brain tumors or infections.

Attention Deficit Disorder - a neurobehavioral disorder that affects 3 to 5 percent of all American children. It interferes with a person's ability to sustain attention or focus on a task and some patients may be unable to control impulsive behavior.

Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity Disorder -a neurobiological disorder. Symptoms include hyperactivity, distractibility, impulsiveness, developmentally-inappropriate behavior and appear in early childhood, typically before seven years of age and usually lasting at least six months.

Autism - a developmental disorder of brain function. People with classical autism show three types of symptoms: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication and imagination and unusual or severely limited activities and interests.  

Behavior Disorders/Emotional Disturbance - Many terms are used interchangeably to classify children who exhibit extreme or unacceptable chronic behavior problems. These children lag behind their peers in social development and are often isolated from others either because they withdraw from social contact or because they behave in an aggressive, hostile manner. Behavior disorders result from persistent negative social interactions between the child and the environment. Behavior disorders generally consist of four clusters of traits, including conduct disorders, anxiety-withdrawal, immaturity and socialized aggression.

Cerebral Palsy - a life-long condition caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, labor or shortly following birth.  "Cerebral" refers to the brain, and "palsy" to muscle weakness or poor control of movement or posture.  It is not a disease; and it is neither progressive nor communicable.  There is no single cause of cerebral palsy.  It is characterized by the inability to control motor functions and can result in involuntary movement, disturbance in gait and mobility and impairment of sight, hearing and speech. 

Community Living Assistance and Support Services - (CLASS) provides home and community-based services to people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities as a cost-effective alternative to placement in an intermediate care facility (ICF-MR/RC). There are two service providers: the first provides independent case management while the second provides all other services. The CLASS service model focuses on consumer independence in everyday community life. CLASS services include: case management, habilitation, respite care, nursing services, psychological services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, adaptive aids and supplies, and minor home modifications. There is no minimum age requirement to be considered eligible for CLASS, however, the disability onset must have appeared before age 22. Applicants must meet ICF-MR/RC Level of Care criteria, have demonstrated a need for habilitation, have a Department of Human Services Plan for waiver services and live in the geographic region.

Conduct Disorder - A persistent pattern of behavior that involved violation of the rights of others (disobedience, destructiveness, jealousy, boisterousness, inadequate feelings of guilt). The pattern is seen at home, school and in the community. Verbal and physical aggression are key features of conduct disorder. See also behavior disorders/emotional disturbance and oppositional-defiant disorder.

Developmental Disabilities - manifest before the person reaches 22 years of age (or 18 in some states), which constitutes a substantial disability to the affected individual, and is attributable to mental retardation or related conditions which include cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or other neurological conditions when such conditions result in: Impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior similar to that of a person with mental retardation. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the federal definition of "Developmental Disability" found in 42 U.S.C. 6000, et seq., shall not apply.   

Developmental Delay - the slowed or impaired development of a child who is under 5 years old and who is at risk of having a developmental disability because of the presence of one or more of the following:  Chromosomal conditions, Congenital syndromes, Metabolic disorders, Prenatal and prenatal infections and significant medical problems, low birth weight, postnatal-acquired problems. OR:  A child less than 5 years old who is delayed in development by 1.5 standard deviations or more in one or more of the following areas:  communication, self-help, social-emotional, motor skills, sensory development or cognition. OR:  A child less than 3 years of age who lives with one or both parents who have a developmental disability.

Di George Syndrome - a rare but often complex genetic abnormality caused by a deletion of chromosome 22 with prevalence estimated at 1:4000 live births. The most common presentation in the neonatal period begins with the diagnoses of a cardiac defect. Clinical features include congenital heart defects, facial anomalies, and hypoplastic thymus with immune deficiencies palatal anomalies and neonatal hypocalcaemia. Late presentations of Di George Syndrome can occur in children between the ages of 3-6 who show developmental delays, moderate to severe behavioral problems and recurrent airway infection.

Down Syndrome - a genetic condition caused by extra genetic material (genes) from the 21st chromosome.  The extra genes cause certain characteristics that we know as Down Syndrome.  Individuals with Down Syndrome also have all the other genes given to them by their parents.  As a result, they have a combination of features typical of Down Syndrome on top of the individual features from their parents.  This can include some degree of mental retardation, cognitive disability and other developmental delays.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) - a series of mental and physical birth defects that can include mental retardation, growth deficiencies, central nervous system dysfunction, cranio-facial abnormalities and behavioral maladjustments.

Fragile X Syndrome - after Down's Syndrome, the second most frequent genetic cause of mental retardation, growth deficiencies, central nervous dysfunction, cranio-facial abnormalities and behavioral maladjustments.

Home and Community Based Services (HCS) - HCS is a Medicaid waiver program designed to build support services based on an individual’s needs. Services may be provided in the family home or within an alternative living residence. An individual must be eligible for Medicaid and have a diagnosis of mental retardation. Habilitative and support services include:

- Respite care
- Supervised residential services
- Supported home living
- Nursing services
- Occupational, speech, and physical therapy
- Psychological services
- Foster and companion care services
- Case management

For additional information call Dallas MetroCare Services at (214) 333-7000.

Impairment of Intellectual Functioning - means the person has been determined to have an intellectual quotient equivalent which is two or more standard deviations below the mean (70 or less assuming a scale with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15), as measured by an instrument which is standardized, appropriate to the nature of the person's disability, and administered by a qualified professional.

In-Home and Family Support (IHFS) - is a consumer-driven program that provides up to $3,600 per fiscal year to eligible individuals and/or their families as a means of assisting with the purchase of goods or services related to a disability. To be considered eligible individuals must: have a diagnosis of mental retardation, autism or pervasive developmental disorder or developmental delay; reside within Dallas county; meet the income requirements; and exhibit a need for assistance. Access to this particular program is on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a substantial waiting list for services. To apply you may call Dallas MetroCare Services at (214) 689-3722.

Learning Disability -disorders which affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements or direct attention.

Lowe Syndrome- a hereditary condition that affects only males. It is caused by a single defective gene on the X-chromosome. Because of this defective gene, an essential enzyme is not produced which consequently causes physical and mental disabilities, and medical problems.

Mental retardation- refers to substantial intellectual limitations in a person's present functioning. It is characterized by significantly sub-average intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with related limitations in two or more of the following applicable adaptive skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure, work. Mental retardation occurs during the developmental years (usually before age 18 or 21). Frequently Asked Questions about Mental Retardation. 

Oppositional-Defiant Disorder (ODD) - A disorder of early to middle childhood that may evolve into a conduct disorder, usually diagnosed before the age of twelve; children with ODD defy adult rules, are angry and often lose their tempers.

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) -  a genetic birth defect that occurs at the time or near the time a baby is conceived. PWS cannot be cured, out grown or prevented. Both males and females of all races can be born with PWS. Common symptoms of the syndrome include: low muscle tone, shortness of stature, behavioral problems, cognitive disabilities, incomplete sexual maturity and a relentless appetite. Most people with PWS are mild-mannered and easy going, however when they do become upset it is hard for them to settle down. Individuals with PWS also are prone to obsessive/compulsive behavior that is not just related to food. Such obsessive/compulsive behaviors can include: the collecting and hoarding of possessions, the strong need for a routine, repetitive thoughts and verbalizations and picking at skin irritations.

Respite Care - refers to short term or temporary care of persons with disabilities in order for their family members or guardians to take a break from the day to day stress of care giving. Respite care differs from day care in that it can involve overnight care for an indefinite period of time. Respite care can mean temporary help for a couple hours or up to three months, or it can be used periodically or on a regular basis. Respite care can be provided in the family’s home or in the providers office or home. Respite care for families with disabled children is a necessity not a luxury. It allows families to continue functioning in a healthy manner. For additional information on respite care in the Dallas County area please call Ana Vogel, Susann Longoria or Nelda Ferguson at the Arc of Dallas at (214) 634-9810.

Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RTS) - a syndrome present at birth which causes a person to have broad thumbs and toes, facial abnormalities and moderate to severe mental retardation. Physical characteristics also include: shortness of stature, a beaked nose, slightly malformed ears and a highly arched palate. Some commons problems that babies with RTS encounter are: feeding difficulties, ear, eye and respiratory infections, cardiac, vertebral, kidney, and abnormalities, and orthopedic problems. RTS occurs in both male and female babies and the ratio of occurrence is 1 in every 100,000 to 300,000 live births. There is no definite cause for the syndrome, although a genetic link is highly possible.

Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SI) - the processing of all information received about the world through sensory systems. Taste, smell, sight, sound, touch, movement, force of gravity, and body position are all senses the brain receives. When the integration of these sensory systems breaks down, a host of problems and challenges occurs, such as: sensitivity to textures of clothes or foods, strong dislike of being hugged or touched, lethargy and unresponsiveness, constant rocking, or crashing into objects. Individuals may become impulsive, may be distractible, may react with frustration and aggression or may have difficulty adjusting to new situations.

Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS) - a rare condition that is associated with developmental delay, learning difficulties, behavioral problems and a disturbed sleeping pattern. Ann Smith and colleagues first described this condition in 1982. About 1 in 25,000 children are born with this condition and it is probably under-diagnosed. It is caused by a small deletion (microdeletion) of the short arm of one member of the 17th pair of chromosomes (17p11.2 microdeletion). This deletion can be detected by special diagnostic test called Fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis.

 Most children with SMS have developmental delay and moderate to severe learning difficulties. Speech is frequently delayed. The most characteristic features of this syndrome are the behavioral problems. These include several forms of self-injurious behavior such as pulling out fingernails and toenails, wrist biting, hair pulling, skin picking and head banging. There is also a tendency to insert objects into bodily orifices such as the nose and ears. Some affected patients also demonstrate 'self-hugging' and 'lick and flip' (licking their fingers and rapidly flicking the pages of a book) behaviors. Other behavioral problems include aggression, frequent temper tantrums, short attention span and repetitive behavior. Patients with SMS also have a very disturbed sleeping pattern. They appear to require very little sleep and may have an inverted sleep rhythm, staying awake at night and often sleeping during the daytime.

Facial features of SMS are fairly distinctive and include heavy brows, up-slanting eyes, depressed nasal bridge, and a wide mouth with fleshy and averted central portion of the upper lip. Other features include relatively hoarse voice, short fingers, eye problems (such as squint and iris abnormalities), hearing loss (see separate entry, deafness) and spinal curvature (see separate entry, scoliosis). Congenital heart disease and kidney abnormalities are also frequently seen. A high index of suspicion is needed to make this diagnosis. The characteristic behavior and sleep disturbance coupled with the distinctive facial features often suggest the diagnosis, which can be confirmed by FISH analysis to look for the 17p11.2 microdeletion.

Special Education Students - students that have educational needs that cannot be met in a regular classroom without some modifications or special arrangements being made. When we think of special education students we typically think of students that have some form of mental or physical disability. It is important, however, to remember that special education students also include students who are gifted and talented. Some of the conditions which qualify a student for special education services include:

• Physical Disabilities such as: vision impairments, hearing impairments, speech disorders, and other physical impairments. About 20% of the students receiving special education services have speech or language disabilities while 1% have multiple, orthopedic or hearing impairments.
• Developmental Disabilities such as: developmental delays, mental retardation, and emotional disorders.
• Learning Disabilities such as: ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, perceptual disabilities, aphasia, dyscalcula (learning disability in Math), minimal brain dysfunction and other impairments.

To gain more information on special students and their educational rights you can check out the federal law Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Spina Bifida - a neural tube defect caused by the failure of the fetus' spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy. In addition to physical and mobility difficulties, most individuals have some form of learning disability. Many children with Spina Bifida have hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain). .  *Source: Luckasson, Coulter, et.al., Mental Retardation: Definition, Classification and Systems of Supports, p. 1 (Washington, DC: American Association on Mental Retardation, 1992)

Williams Syndrome - present at birth and occurs in both males and females in all ethnic groups throughout the world. Persons who have Williams Syndrome are missing genetic material on chromosome #7 which contains the protein elastin which strengthens the heart and its blod vessels. Children with Williams Syndrome often share similar facial features such as: smaller sized heads, puffiness around the eyes, a small upturned nose, curly hair, full lips, small widely spaced teeth, a noticeable white starburst pattern in the iris and a small chin. These physical attributes can cause persons with the disorder to appear "elf-like". Other affects of the disorder include: low or poor muscle tone, premature puberty, hypersensitive hearing and a low birth weight. Mild to severe learning disabilities related to visual, perceptual and spatial concepts are common although people with Williams Syndrome have a high grasp of language skills and are excessively friendly. There is no known cause for Williams Syndrome and no cure.

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