Causes of Disabilities

Disabilities can originate at any stage of life: prenatal, perinatal, infancy, early childhood, adolescence, adulthood and
old age.

1. Prenatal: causes that occur before birth

2. Perinatal: causes that occur during the birth process
3. Postnatal: causes that happen after birth or during childhood

Prenatal Causes of Disabilities

Genetic causes
Chromosomal abnormalities (e.g. Downs Syndrome, a type of MR)
Mothers age - if too young or too old
External agents like radiation or injury
Infections like Rubella
Toxins or Drugs
Alcohol
Maternal health and nutrition
Marriage between close blood relatives

Perinatal Causes of Disability

Prematurity (or babies who were born too soon)
Injury
Abnormal Birth
Low Birth Weight
Less Oxygen or Anoxia
Infections like AIDS, Syphilis etc.

Postnatal Causes of Disability

Injury
Lack of Immunization
Childhood diseases e.g. Meningitis
Common infectious diseases e.g. Measles sometimes cause visual impairment
Poverty & Poor nutrition (A severe vitamin A deficiency can cause blindness)
Old Age

Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Prevention

There are three types of prevention: primary, secondary, and tertiary

Primary Prevention

Primary prevention prevents disability from happening.

Examples:
o Good Nutrition for mother
o Immunization
o No marriage between close blood relatives
o Choosing right age to be mother
 o No alcohol, smoking or drugs
o Health Education
o Genetic Counselling

Secondary Prevention

Secondary prevention means early intervention in treatment of diseases/injuries to prevent disability

Examples:
o In case of Ear Infections, going for treatment/surgery
o Treatment of injuries (burns/fractures)

Tertiary Prevention
Tertiary Prevention includes all measures to limit or reduce impairments/disabilities.
Examples:
o Hearing Aids for H.I
o Glasses, Braille for V.I.
o Educational Interventions
o Rehabilitation training Mobility, Self-care, Vocational etc.

Immunization