The most severe type is spina bifida with mylemeningocele which usually results in irreversible disability, the most obvious being lower body paralysis. Once considered very rare, Tourette syndrome is now believed to affect five in every ten thousand persons. It is a frequently misunderstood condition that is believed to be neurologically based, and is often confused with schizophrenia. The classic symptoms are recurrent, purposeless and repetitive movements of muscle groups at varying time intervals, often in the form of head, arm, or whole torso jerks, along with multiple vocal tics and blurtings. This is an obstruction of the airways characterized by narrowing of the bronchial tubes, tissue swelling, and clogging mucus.
Males are twice as likely as females to have it.
Many people with asthma improve during adolescence. There are many other non-sensory physical impairments and conditions that may be present in students, e.g., cystic fibrosis, scoliosis, congenital malformations, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, cancer, AIDS and other chronic conditions. Attending school, simply being in school, is often a crucial element in the growth and development of a student with a non-sensory physical disability. The primary distinguishing characteristics of students with a physical handicap, neurological impairment, or chronic condition are the proper concern of the medical profession. However, if these students are to reach their full potential it is essential that there be inter-disciplinary cooperation between health personnel and teachers.