Unpacking Disabilities: What Causes Disabilities?

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The causes of disabilities are as many as the types and categories. While it is possible to pinpoint the causes of some physical disabilities, it can be challenging to narrow down the causes of intellectual and learning disabilities.

More often than not, genetic, environmental, and physical factors come into play. From mutated genes to unforeseen impacts of environmental toxins and the mother’s lifestyle habits, the possible causes abound. Understanding the causes of these conditions offers clarity and paves the way for prevention, intervention, management, and support.

This article will explore the major causes of disabilities under three categories — genetic, environmental, and physical factors.

Physical Causes

Some disabilities occur due to accidents, diseases, congenital issues, and aging. The resulting disabilities are either present from birth or occur suddenly or gradually.

Accidents

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Whether transport, work, or domestic, accidents are bound to happen. Injuries from these unprecedented occurrences can lead to life-long disabilities. These accidents can affect the brain, spinal cord, or limbs. Traumatic brain injuries from falls or vehicular accidents can cause cognitive or physical impairments. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis and permanently impair the affected person. Other times, the accidents result in amputation, requiring lifestyle adjustments.

Diseases

The first few months after birth are critical and usually set the course for the child’s health as they grow and develop. Most of the diseases that occur during this time can drastically affect bodily functions. Diseases like multiple sclerosis lead to problems with vision, balance, and muscle control.

These determining diseases are not limited to infancy. Strokes, which happen at any age because of interrupted blood supply to the brain, can lead to significant physical and cognitive impairments.

Congenital Issues

Congenital issues arise from pregnancy or birthing complications. For example, one of the leading causes of cerebral palsy is a lack of oxygen to the brain or any other brain trauma. Premature births, where some organs are underdeveloped, can result in permanent physical disabilities.

These congenital problems are a major determining factor in the death of newborns and children under 5.

Aging

The human body will degrade as the years pass by. And with this gradual degradation, the individual becomes susceptible to conditions like dementia or osteoarthritis. Dementia affects cognition (memory and thinking) and general behavior. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, limits mobility and causes severe pains.

Genetic Causes

Sometimes, disabilities occur before the child is born due to known or unknown genetic activities. Some of these causes are linked to the lifestyle (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) or age of the mother (Down Syndrome).

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Genetic Disorders

Science has been unable to pinpoint the reason for most genetic mutations. Some of these mutations do not adversely affect the individual. However, some carry anomalies that cause disabilities.

A typical example is Down syndrome. This syndrome is caused by an extra Chromosome 21 and affects physical and intellectual development. Research has shown that women above 40 are more likely to have children with Down syndrome.

Prenatal Exposures

The womb serves as a home for the fetus, an exchange medium between mother and child. This is one of the reasons why medical practitioners advise expectant mothers to be mindful of what they ingest. Prenatal exposure to alcohol, drugs, and medications can affect fetal development if a woman takes them while pregnant. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, caused by the mother’s alcohol intake, can result in physical, behavioral, and learning problems.

Environmental Causes

Our environment and conditions play a significant role in our growth and development. Most of these factors originate in the mother and express the effects on the child.

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Infections & Diseases

Infectious diseases and infections can lead to disabilities if caution is not applied. If an infant contracts meningitis, it can cause permanent hearing loss or intellectual disability if they do not receive proper healthcare.

Sometimes, it is not the child who contracts the disease but the mother. For example, suppose a pregnant woman contracts German measles (Rubella). In that case, the child is at risk of being deaf or suffering from other severe congenital disabilities.

Environmental Toxins

Thanks to pollution, harmful toxins are abundant in the environment. These toxins are more dangerous to pregnant women and infants. For example, if exposure is significant, lead and mercury can cause cognitive impairments or affect the nervous, digestive, and immune systems. Women who smoke or live/work in areas with factories or mines are at a higher risk.

Socio-Economic Factors

Research has established the relationship between poverty and diseases. This relationship also extends to disabilities. Pregnant women are supposed to take in more minerals, like folic acid, to help the development of their fetus. However, when poverty and poor nutrition come into play, it can result in physical or cognitive disabilities.

Lack of timely and adequate healthcare access can increase the effects of otherwise treatable conditions. Constant exposure to violence, common in conflict or impoverished regions, can also result in psychological and developmental disorders.

Conclusion

Studying these causes shows that carrying a pregnancy to term goes way beyond housing the child. The age, lifestyle, and living conditions of a pregnant mother play a significant role in determining the child’s health condition.

It is also essential to know that these causes are rarely isolated — environmental factors aggravate genetic and physical factors. And it is impossible to completely avoid all factors and prevent the occurrence of syndromes and disorders. However, ensuring safe environments and pushing for medical research, advancements, and advocacy go a long way to prevent and manage disabilities.

References

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