What is Autism?

Autism is a condition that is much more common in boys than in girls. People with autism usually have difficulty with communication and with relating to other people. They may seem to ignore people or have favorite objects that they spend a lot of time with. Although this disability does not affect someone's intelligence, it may make learning more difficult for them. Doctors are still not sure what causes autism.

Read a Story Written by a Boy with Autism

What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is a condition that happens when a baby is born with an extra chromosome. Our bodies are like blueprints, made up of tiny chromosomes in each of our genes that help make us each unique. Most of us are born with 46 chromosomes, 23 from our mom and 23 from our dad. However, people with Down Syndrome have 47 chromosomes and that extra little chromosome changes things and gives them special features such as slanted eyes and smaller noses. Their hands are usually flatter and broader with shorter fingers which can make it harder for them to do some things like pick up coins. Down Syndrome is more common than a lot of disabilities - 1 out of every 800 babies born has Down Syndrome.
Meet Eric

What is Spina Bifida?

Spina Bifida is a means "open spine." A child is born with Spina Bifida because of a problem with the spinal cord. Your spinal cord is like a long tube of nerves with a case that covers and protects it. With Spina Bifida, the spinal cord fails to fully close around the nerves like its supposed to and this causes the nerves to be damaged at and below the opening. This is why some children with Spina Bifida use a wheelchair or need braces or crutches to help them walk. Spina Bifida does not affect the way children learn to communicate.

Doctors are learning more about Spina Bifida and there are now some ways that it can be treated while the baby is still inside the mother. Also, we now know that one cause of Spina Bifida may be a lack of Folic Acid which is found in certain types of foods and vitamins. We now know how important it is that women eat nutritious foods and take vitamins before and during pregnancy in order to help them have healthy babies.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is a disability that happens when there is damage to the brain and central nervous system, which act together like a computer to make you body work. This damage can happen while the baby is still inside the mother or during the birth process and is caused by illness or lack of oxygen to the baby's brain. Cerebral Palsy can also be the result of lack of oxygen, illness or an accident.

Depending on the amount of damage, Cerebral Palsy can look very different in different people. People with Cerebral Palsy may be only affected a little bit meaning they can walk, talk, and learn just like you can. Or, they may have more difficulties with moving their muscles the way they want to. Some may require the use of a wheelchair, braces or crutches to help them walk or special equipment to help them write or hold on to things. Sometimes it is difficult to understand people who have Cerebral Palsy - their speech may be slow and difficult to understand, like someone who has had a stroke. Others with Cerebral Palsy may have some mental retardation in addition to the physical disabilities.
Meet Matt

What is a Learning Disability?

You probably know someone in your school who has a learning disability because they are very common. There are different types of learning disabilities. Having a learning disability does not mean that the person is not as smart as everyone else. In fact, people with leaning disabilities are often smarter than others. They may have trouble learning to read and write. Having a "learning disability" means that a child has "learning differences." In fact, the most common type of learning disability is dyslexia which affects the way a child sees letters and words, which makes it difficult for them to read and write. Teachers and parents can help these students by using special books, tinted glasses, and other methods which make it easier for them to read and write.
Here is what writing might look like if you had dyslexia.

What is a Hearing Impairment?

A person with a hearing impairment may be totally deaf, or have difficulty hearing some sounds especially when there are a lot of other noises around. Even with hearing aids, it may be hard for them to hear conversations.

Some people who have loss of hearing use sign language to communicate. It helps them understand what is being said if they cannot hear, but also sign language is useful because it may be difficult for them to speak. Imagine if you were born deaf and never heard words being spoken. Even though your voice worked and you could talk, it would be hard to learn how to talk right if you didn't know how the words sounded.