4.

1 Concept of Disability and Disorder

Disability and disorder are two separate terms that stand for different types of physical
and mental conditions.

Concept of Disability
The term disability means any kind of impairment or permanent reduction in physical or
mental capacity. The reduction can be related to any kind of physical loss, mental
illness, intellectual impairment or reduction in the use of sense organs. This may be
present from birth or occur during a person’s lifetime. This affects a person’s
participation in different areas of life and reduces the full use of body structures and
functions.
Definition – “A disability is defined as a condition or function judged to be significantly
impaired relative to the usual standard of an individual or group,”

Concept of Disorder
Disorder is any ailment that disturbs the health of a person, hinders a person’s
performance and diminishes his/her efficiency. Disorder grows inside a person, they are
small in the beginning but may become serious and grow into a disability. There are
many kinds of disorders like mental disorder, neurological disorder, hyper activity
disorder, eating disorder, addiction disorder, attention disorder etc.
Definition – “Disorder can be defined as a blip in the usual functioning of a person.”

4.2 Types of Disability, Its Causes and Nature

Disability is conceptualised as being a multidimensional experience as it may affect the
organs and body parts which hampers a person’s life in many ways.

Types of Disability
There are three types of disabilities which are as follows

[i] Cognitive Disability

The nature of this disability is mental since cognitive domain is related to using mental
abilities and achieving results from it.
It is related to impairments in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour.
Intellectual functioning means person’s ability to plan, comprehend and reason while
adaptive behaviour refers to applying social and practical skills in everyday life. Children
suffering from dyslexia, learning difficulties, speech disorders, problem in solving math
calculations, short span of attention and short of memory are said to have cognitive
disability.
Causes of cognitive disability are as follows

● Cognitive impairment may be present at birth and may be genetic or

chromosomal or result from complications of pregnancy.
● Chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome.
● Genetic abnormalities such as phenylketonuria, Hunter syndrome etc.
● Prenatal drug and infections and exposure to alcohol.
● Lack of oxygen during labour pain or birth.

[ii] Intellectual Disability

The nature of this disability is also mental since the intellectual domain is related to
using the capacity of the mind. It is a disability characterised by significant limitations in
both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behaviour. This is characterised by low
intelligence quotient score (under 70) and significant problems in the ways learners
adapt to new situations. It is different from cognitive because cognitive is a broad
concept while intellectual disability is specific in nature.
Causes of intellectual disability are as follows

1. Genetic Conditions These include things like Down syndrome and fragile X
syndrome.
2. Problems during Pregnancy This can interfere with fetal brain development.
3. Alcohol or Drug Use may also cause intellectual disability.
4. Problems during Childbirth Like if a baby is deprived of oxygen during
childbirth or born extremely premature.
5. Illness or Injury Infection like meningitis, whooping cough or measles can
lead to intellectual disability. Extreme malnutrition, infections in the brain,
exposure to toxic substances such as lead, and severe neglect or abuse
can also cause it.

[iii] Physical Disability

The nature of this disability is physical since it relates to physical functioning of the
body parts including sense organs.
This refers to the limitation on a person’s physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or
stamina. This includes upper or lower limb loss, poor manual dexterity, visual
impairment, hearing loss or disability in coordination with different organs of the body.
Apart from these, respiratory disorders, epilepsy and sleep disorders are also
4.3 Types of Disorder, Its Causes and Nature
A disorder is referred to as a disturbance in physical or mental health or functions that
causes dysfunction. Some types of disorder are discussed below

ADHD
[Attention Deficit’ Hyperactivity Disorder]
The nature of this disorder is related to . behavioural changes or disorders. About 10%
of school going kids suffer from ADHD,
Boys are more suspectible to this disorder than girls. The common symptoms of this
disorder are hyperactivity, trouble focusing on a task, very short span of attention and
missing details. . Children with ADHD may understand what’s expected of them but
have trouble following the instructions required to complete the task. ‘ Young children
mostly act in this way when they are excited or anxious but the difference with ADHD is
that these symptoms are present over a longer period of time and take place in different
settings. The ADHD disorder affects a child’s academic performance as well as social
behaviour. Causes of ADHD are .

1. Genes and Heredity Genetic inheritance and abnormalities in genes may

cause this disorder.
2. Brain Injury and Epilepsy Children who have had traumatic brain injuries or
who have epilepsy can often have ADHD-like symptoms.
3. Environmental Causes Prenatal exposure to smoke, exposure to high levels
of lead as a toddler and preschooler is possible contributor.

SPD [Sensory Processing Disorder]

This is a condition in which the brain has trouble in receiving and responding to
information that comes in through the senses. The SPD is related to mental nature.
There the sensory inputs are not organised by the brain in an appropriate manner.
The common symptoms are showing heightened reactivity to sound, touch or
movement. Under-reactive in certain situations example not noticing when name is
called, lethargic, disinterested, poor motor skills, lack of attention, impulsive
behaviours etc. The SPD interferes with the children’s normal everyday functioning.
They also have delayed communication and social skills. SPD also impacts on a
person’s ability to interact with different environments. Causes of SPD are as follows

● Genetic or hereditary factors such as having a family history of autism,

SPD.
 ● Have been understimulated during critical periods of neurological
development.
● Have been exposed to variety of environmental toxins.
● Have food allergies.
● Having developmental delays and other , neurological disorders.

ASD [Autism Spectrum Disorder]

The nature of this disorder is related to mental illness which then changes the
behaviour. It is a complex developmental disorder that affects normal brain
development. The symptoms of ASD are difficulty in communication and interaction
with people. They also have repetitive behaviour patterns like flicking a light switch
repeatedly, smelling everything, flipping objects etc.

Children with ASD also have sensory sensitivities such as not using eye contact,
confused by language, repeating a word etc. Here the brain does not function in the
typical’way due to which they face developmental challenges.. Children and adults with
ASD do not acquire good social skills and face many behavioural problems. They often
stare at a particular person or object, like a few foods, get over excited by certain
sounds etc.
Causes of ASD are as follows

1. ASD can be the result of heredity factors, genetic differences and genetic
mutations.
2. It can also cause through abnormal mechanisms of brain development and
other neurobiological factors.
3. Environmental factors related to exposure to drugs, toxins like lead,
insecticides, hydrocarbons and dietary factors may cause ASD.

ODD [Oppositional Defiant Disorder]

The nature of this disorder is related to social behaviours. This behaviour disorder
usually takes place in early teens. Apart from teens, ODD also affects young children
especially boys. In children it begins from the age of 8 years. About 2-16% of children
are affected by ODD. The main symptoms of ODD are similar patterns of anger, irritable
mood, saying hateful things, flaring up at trivial matters, seeking revenge etc.

Here children in their early teens try to defy authority every now and then, they express
their defiance by arguing, disobeying, talking back to parents, teachers and other adults.
Though this type of behaviour is normally seen among all the teenagers but the
difference in ODD is that the behaviour lasts more than 6 months and is excessive in
comparison to other children of the same age. This kind of behaviour often disrupts the
child’s normal daily activities and hampers academic performance.
Causes of ODD are as follows

1. Genetics A child’s natural disposition or temperament and possible

neurobiological differences in the way nerves and the brain function may
cause ODD.
2. Environment Problems with parenting that may involve a lack of
supervision, inconsistent or harsh discipline, or abuse or neglect also cause
ODD.

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder]

The nature of this disorder is related to mental illness. This usually takes place in
people of middle ages. Males and females both are equally affected by OCD. About
15-20% of the people experience OCD in mild forms. The symptoms of this disorder are
people doing repetative behaviours, performing routine tasks over an over again or
having certain thoughts repeatedly.

Some examples of this type of disorder are frequent or excessive hand washing,
counting to things repeatedly, checking if a door is locked again and again. These
activities occur to such a degree that it affects a person’s life negatively. The OCD can
become serious and may cause other problems related to mental illness.
Causes of OCD are as follows

1. Familial Disorder The disorder may run in the family, therefore close
relatives of people with OCD are likely to develop it.
2. Behavioural Causes The behavioural theory suggests that people with OCD
associate certain objects or situations with fear and learn to avoid those
things or learn to perform rituals in order to help reduce the fear or the
stress related to that situation.
3. Cognitive Causes This happens when people misinterpret their thoughts
like the feeling of dirty hands even when they are cleaned many times.
4. Environmental Causes This means stressful situation present in the
environment such as within the family or society that triggers OCD in
people.
Macro and Micro Nutrients Macro Nutrients
The macro nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy in all activities that we do. The elements
of carbohydrates are carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Carbohydrates are organic
compounds which are important for our digestive process. They require less water in
diet. There primary function is to provide energy to the body, especially to the brain and
nervous system. There are two main types of carbohydrates i.e. simple carbohydrates
and complex carbohydrates.

Proteins
Proteins are the basic constituents of our cells. They are large molecules, so they
cannot get directly into our blood. So, they turned into amino acid by our digestive
system. There are 23 amino acid and only 9 are available in diet. Proteins form tissues,
repair the broken tissues, regulate balance of water and oxygen etc. They are body
building foods. Foods rich in proteins are eggs, meat, fish and dairy products as well as
pulses, nuts and cereals

Fats
Fats contain hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. These are the most concentrated source of
energy in food. Fats have a very high energy content. Foods rich in fats are butter, oil,
sausage, cheese, fish, chocolate, olives and nuts. If we permanently take too little
exercise, we become overweight or even ill. Many fats are unhealthy such as trans-fats
in deep fried foods.

Micro Nutrients
Micro nutrients are vitamins, minerals and secondary plant compounds.

Vitamins
Vitamins are compounds of carbon which are essential for the normal growth and
working of the body. They are required in very small quantities. Many of them can be
stored in the body for months or even years but others need to be freshly absorbed
every day. There are two groups of vitamins i.e. fat soluble and water soluble

Fat Soluble Vitamins The vitamins that are composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
and are soluble in fats such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K. The fat
soluble vitamins are explained below
 ● Vitamin A This is essential for normal growth of the body. Deficiency of
vitamin A leads to night blindness and also affects the kidneys, nervous
system and digestive system. Sources are milk, curd, ghee, egg yolk, fish,
tomato, papaya, green vegetables, orange, spinach, carrot and pumpkin.
● Vitamin D This is essential for the formation of healthy teeth and bones.
The presence of this vitamin in the body enables it to absorb calcium and
phosphorus. Its deficiency causes rickets, softness of bones and teeth
diseases. Sources are egg yolk, fish, sunlight, vegetables, cod liver oil, milk,
cream and butter.
● Vitamin E This is essential in increasing the fertility among men and women
as well as proper functioning of adrenal and sex glands. Its deficiency
causes weakness in muscles and heart. Sources are green vegetables,
sprouts, coconut oil, dry
and fresh fruits, milk, meat, butter and maize.
● Vitamin K This is helpful in the clotting of blood. Its deficiency causes
anaemia and blood does not clot easily.
Sources are cauliflower, spinach, cabbage, tomato, potato, wheat, egg and
meat.

Water Soluble Vitamins The vitamins that are composed of nitrogen, sulphur and are
soluble in water such as vitamin B complex, vitamin C.

● Vitamin B Complex There are 12 vitamins in this group, some of them are
Bj, B2, B3, B6 and B12. They are necessary for growth, proper functioning of
heart, liver, kidney and maintains smooth skin. Its deficiency causes
Beri-Beri disease. Pellagra and also decreases immunity.

Sources are wheat, milk, nuts, peas, egg yolk and sprouts.

● Vitamin B, (Thiamin) Vitamin Bt or Thiamin, helps to release energy from

foods, promotes normal appetite, and is important in maintaining proper
nervous system function.
● Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Riboflavin or Vitamin B2, helps to release energy
from foods, promotes good vision, and healthy skin. It also helps to convert
the amino acid tryptophan (which makes up protein) into niacin.
● Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Vitamin B3 or niacin works with other B-complex
vitamins to metabolise food and provides energy for the body. Vitamin B3 is
 involved in energy production, normal enzyme function, digestion,
promoting normal appetite, healthy skin and nerves.
● Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Vitamin B6 is a key factor in protein and glucose
metabolism as well as in the formation of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a
component of red blood cells-it carries oxygen. Vitamin B is also involved in
keeping the lymph nodes and thymus gland healthy.
● Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Vitamin B12 is also known as Cobalamin, aids in
the building of genetic material, production of normal red blood cells, and
maintenance of the nervous system.
● Vitamin C Vitamin C is also called Ascorbic acid, which is a water-soluble
vitamin and cannot be stored in the body. Most plants and animals can
produce their own vitamin C but humans cannot. Vitamin C is needed for
proper growth, development, and to heal wounds. It is used to make the
collagen tissue for healthy teeth, gums, blood vessels and bones.
Deficiency of vitamin C causes scurvy.

Minerals
Minerals contain elements needed by our body in small quantities. But these are
essential for proper growth and functioning of the body. A shortage of minerals can
have severe effects on health. For example, a long-term shortage of foods containing
iodine in people leads to thyroid gland diseases. Some of the important minerals are
mentioned below

1. Iron It is important for the formation of haemoglobin. Its deficiency leads to

anaemia and sources are meat, eggs and dry fruits.
2. Calcium It is needed for the formation of strong bones, teeth and also for
clotting of blood and muscle contraction. Its deficiency causes rickets,
asthma and sources are milk, egg yolk, cheese and orange.
3. Phosphorus It is required for development of strong bones and teeth and
also for making energy. Its sources are egg, fish, meat and unpolished rice.
4. Potassium It is important for growth and keeping cells and blood healthy.
Its deficiency weakens the muscles of the body and sources are carrot,
beet root, onion, tomato, orange and mango.
5. Sodium It is needed for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Its
sources are milk and milk products, meat and eggs.
6. Iodine It is essential for proper thyroid function. Its deficiency causes goitre
and sources are seafood and salt.
 7. Fluorine It is important to make the enamel (polish) of the teeth hard and
prevents dental caries.
8. Copper It is helpful in red blood cells,connective tissue and nerve fibre
formation and functioning.
9. Zinc It is required for insulin production and also for functioning of male
prostate, digestion and metabolism.

Nutritive and Non-Nutritive Components of Diet

Food components whether they are nutritive (providing calories) or non-nutritive (not
providing calories) are needed to a multitude of food and beverages. They not only
provide a sweet flavour to foods, they are also used to preserve foods (in jams or
jellies), provide body bulk and texture (in ice-cream and baked goods), enhance other
flavours (like salty) and aid in fermentation (in’breads and pickles).

A Healthy Weight
The most accurate assessment of your ideal weight takes into account the composition
of your body, how much of your weight is lean body mass (muscles and bones) and how
much is body fat. For optimum health, body fat should be no more than 20% of total
weight for men and 30% for women. A person is maintaining healthy weight or not, can
be checked with the help of BMI

BMI Weight status

Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5-24.9 Normal
25.0-29.9 Overweight
30.0 and above Obese

From the table, the score 24.22 shows normal weight status.

The Pitfalls of Dieting

People use various techniques of weight loss such as taking diet pills, fasting, reducing
calories consumption, exercise etc. There are some dangers pitfalls of dieting that need
to be checked for reducing weight in a healthy way.
The pitfalls of dieting are mentioned below

1. Eating too Little In dieting people take just 1500-1800 calories per day. But
this is not sufficient to meet the daily requirements. This may result in
massive weight loss and other related health problems.
 2. More Drinking than Eating In order to reduce calorie consumption, more
drinks are taken like sweetened juices, sodas, tea and coffee with sugar.
These increase the weight.
3. Skipping Meals Not taking breakfast, lunch, dinner or proper meals reduces
the metabolic rate. Then the body starts conserving energy, the next time it
gets food. This also results in more intake of calories in next meal.
4. Intake of Labelled Foods By taking foods that are labelled as Tow fat, Tow
sugar, Tow calories’ may not produce proper results. For example, drinking
more tea with sugarfree results in more intake of tea and hence greater
calorie consumption.
5. Not Performing Exercises No exercises reduce the level of metabolism
drastically and there is no burning of calories. In that case dieting will not
be effective.

Food Intolerance
Food intolerance is the intolerance of certain elements in some foods that cannot be
properly processed by our digestive system. It is pretty common to have an adverse
reaction to a certain food, but in most cases it is an intolerance rather than a true
allergy. Although intolerance and allergy may have similar symptoms, a food allergy can
be more serious and it usually comes on suddenly. Features of food intolerance are as
follows

● Usually comes on gradually.

● May only happen when you eat a lot of a particular food.
● May only happen if you eat the food often.

Myths about Foods

Various food myths are prevailing in India as well as over the world. What, when and
how often to eat are questions confusing many people. People believe in these myths
because the myths seem credible. However, now that we have advanced scientific
knowledge, we can dispel these myths. The most common food related myths which
are still prevalent in contemporary society are

● Potatoes make us fat.

● Fat-free products help in reducing weight.
● Avoid eggs because they increase the cholesterol level.
● Drinking water while eating makes us fat.
● Don’t consume milk immediately after eating fish.
● Starve yourself if you want to lose weight.
● Exercising makes you eat more.