General Information
All disabilities are visible. True or False
False. Not all disabilities are visible because disabilities can affect people in many different ways. Physically, cognitively, emotionally, or socially. Some hide it due to stigma, and some have flare-ups at particular times, and different people have different resilience levels as well.
What is a physical disability?
A physical disability is a condition that affects a person’s mobility, stamina, or physical capacity.
What does the acronym “ASD” stand for?
Autism Spectrum Disorder
People with intellectual disability can learn, work, and live independently with the right support.
True or False?
True
Several mental health challenges are considered to be disability. True / False
Yes, a mental health problem can be considered a disability. There needs to be some specific criteria to be considered as such, but basically it is as it impacts your way of life.
Mention the 4 different main sectors where disability is categorized.
Disabilities can be broadly categorised into four main sectors: physical, sensory, intellectual/developmental, and Psychological Disability. These sectors encompass a wide range of conditions and impairments that affect a person's ability to function in daily life.
What does “masking” mean in relation to autism?
Hiding autistic traits to fit in socially
What is an intellectual disability?
Intellectual disabilities are disabilities characterised by limitations in:
What is the most common mental health challenge in the Western world?
Anxiety
When communicating with a person with a disability, what is the most appropriate behaviour?
Speak directly to the person (not to others with them)
Which of the following is NOT a common characteristic of ADHD?
A) Difficulty sustaining attention
B) Impulsivity
C) Lack of intelligence
D) Challenges with time management
Lack of intelligence
Name two strategies that can help someone with Autism in daily life?
Strategies that can help individuals with Autism in daily life often focus on structure, communication, and sensory management. Using visual schedules and calendars helps provide predictability and organisation for daily tasks, thereby reducing anxiety associated with uncertainty. Establishing consistent daily routines, especially around mealtimes, bedtime, and work or school, can foster independence and a sense of security
Name two areas where a person with intellectual disability may need extra support.
Learning, speech, motor skills, or daily living skills
What is one key challenge faced by people with psychological disabilities?
Their disability is often invisible, leading to stigma, misunderstanding, and lack of appropriate support.
What is one key rule to follow when using respectful language about disability?
use person-first language, do not use labels, do not offend
Why do we refer to autism as a spectrum?
Autism is referred to as a spectrum because the characteristics, needs, and challenges associated with it vary greatly from person to person, creating a wide range of presentations. There isn't one single way to be autistic, and individuals experience the condition differently.
Which of the following health conditions is more common in people with Down Syndrome?
People with Down syndrome are more likely to experience heart problems, specifically congenital heart defects, due to the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This genetic anomaly can disrupt the normal development of the heart during pregnancy, leading to various heart defects.
Mention three aspects of life that a condition should impact for it to be classified as a mental health problem and to be considered a disabling condition
A mental illness is a condition that causes major changes to thoughts, feelings and behaviour, impairs functioning, and is persistent over time.
What is the number of people worldwide who live with some disability?
Approximately 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the world's population, live with some form of disability, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This means roughly one in six people worldwide experiences significant disability.
What is Sensory Overload in relation to autism?
Sensory overload in autism is when an autistic person's brain receives too much sensory information (from sounds, lights, textures, etc.) to process, leading to overwhelm, distress, anxiety, and sometimes meltdowns or shutdowns.
A person can only be diagnosed with an intellectual disability if the condition begins during:
A. Adulthood
B. Adolescence
C. The developmental period
D. Old age
The developmental period
Mention 2 things that can lead to an increased chance of Psychological disability.
Unlike some disabilities, a Psychological disability is one that usually emerges during a person’s lifetime. There are a number of factors that increase the likelihood of such an occurrence. These include genetics, substance misuse, trauma, and more.
What is the difference between the Social and the Medical Model of Disability?
The Medical Model sees disability as an individual's defect needing a cure or containment (e.g., a wheelchair user can't climb stairs), while the Social Model views disability as society's failure to accommodate diverse needs, identifying barriers like inaccessible buildings or negative attitudes as the true problem (e.g., a ramp solves the problem)
What are Social Stories and how do they help people with Autism?
Social stories are primarily used to help individuals, especially those with autism understand and navigate social situations. Social stories break down complex social situations into smaller, more manageable steps, often using visuals like pictures and simple language. They can be used before, during, or after a social situation to explain what to expect, how to behave, and how others might react.
What type of learning approach is often most effective for people with intellectual disabilities?
The most effective learning approach for people with intellectual disabilities typically combines visual learning strategies with multisensory, hands-on activities in a structured and predictable environment.
What is psychosocial disability?
Psychosocial disability refers to barriers in society (e.g., stigma, discrimination) that impact people with mental health conditions, even when symptoms are managed.
When supporting a person with a disability, what behaviour should you avoid, and what should you do instead?
Never assume and ask the person how you can be of support
What principle supports the right of people with intellectual disability to make choices about their own lives, even when support is needed?
Self-determination (or supported decision-making).