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It is not possible to cover all the conditions that may result in temporary or permanent disability. The implications for employers and the processes for introducing workplace adjustments (whether permanent or temporary) are similar for all such instances.
Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)
AD/HD is a developmental dysfunction of the central nervous system that occurs in children and adults. A significant proportion of adults continue to experience academic and behavioural symptoms of AD/HD. AD/HD symptoms include brief attention span, short-term memory problems, speech disorders, difficulties with balance and coordination, problems of/in perception and organising. Behavioural symptoms may include impulsiveness, low frustration threshold, poor self-esteem, and inflexibility.
Adults with AD/HD may experience difficulties with learning and social interaction, self-esteem, depression, mood swings and anxiety. Poor time management, chronic lateness and difficulties meeting deadlines and completing paperwork are common problems faced by adults with AD/HD. Most, however, can and do develop strategies to overcome the worst features of AD/HD and lead successful lives.
NOTE: Whereas people with AD/HD may experience learning difficulties, AD/HD is not classified as a learning disability.
For further information refer to: At Health website and Opening All Options II, ADHD and Medication.
Epilepsy and Related Disorders
Epilepsy occurs in 1-2 per cent of the population. Brain injury, birth injury, brain tumours and circulatory disease in the brain are known causes of epilepsy, but there are many instances of unknown cause. In those predisposed to epilepsy, seizures may be triggered by a range of stimuli including flashing lights, stress or anxiety, fatigue, illness, excitement, inadequate food, excessive alcohol, and physical activity.
Epileptic seizures result from imbalances in the electrical activity in the brain causing loss of control of one or more aspects of bodily activity. The effects vary with the type of seizure.
People who take medication for epilepsy rarely have seizures. In some cases, however, sedative anti-convulsant drugs may interfere with concentration. If undetected, epilepsy can cause frequent small lapses of consciousness and these lapses can interfere with learning.
Employees with epilepsy and other seizure disorders are sometimes reluctant to divulge their conditions because they fear being misunderstood or stigmatised.
In the event of a major epileptic seizure, follow this procedure:
- Look at your watch and note the time when the person started to have a seizure.
- Do not immediately ring an ambulance. The majority of seizures will resolve within a 10-minute period. If the person recovers from a seizure within a 10-minute period, there is no need to contact an ambulance. If the seizure continues after 10 minutes, contact the ambulance immediately.
- Normally the person will tend to recover quickly and continue with their activities. People who have seizures are often inconvenienced by people immediately contacting an ambulance as they are then required to go to hospital for observation.
- Keep calm. Although the manifestations may be intense they are generally not painful to the individual.
- Remove nearby objects that may injure the person during the seizure.
- Help lower the person to the floor and place cushioning under his/her head.
- Turn the person's head to the side so that breathing is not obstructed.
- Loosen tight clothing. Do not put anything in the person's mouth.
- Do not try to restrain bodily movement.
- Make sure someone stays with the person until they recover.
For further information refer to: Epilepsy Action Australia (2006) Understanding Epilepsy.
HIV/AIDS is caused by a virus that destroys the body's immune system. This condition leaves the person vulnerable to infections and cancers that the immune system normally protects against. Although an employee may have tested positive to the HIV virus, their performance at work may not be an issue.
Manifestations of HIV/AIDS are varied and may lead to hospitalisation for periods of time, depending on the particular infections or diseases the individual develops. Extreme fatigue is a common symptom.
Employees with AIDS may be reluctant to reveal their condition because of the social stigma, fear and misunderstanding that still surround this illness. As with all other illnesses, it is important that confidentialityis observed.
For further information refer to: Ausaid Australian Government website: HIV/AIDS links
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), also referred to as Myalgic Encephalopathy, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Post-viral Fatigue Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) is a complex, chronic, and debilitating disorder that affects the immune and central nervous systems.
There is currently no single test to diagnosis ME/CFS, nor a cure, as there is currently no underlying pathological basis. People with ME/CFS experience a broad range of symptoms that vary in type and severity. These variations occur from person to person, and on an individual level can change from day to day and sometimes from hour to hour.
The effects of ME/CFS tend to be prolonged and disabling exhaustion, which may be accompanied by neurological and gastro-intestinal disorders, musculoskeletal symptoms and disabling fatigue. The effects of ME/CFS include:
- severe fatigue and exhaustion
- severe headaches
- extreme muscle and joint aches
- abdominal problems
- vision problems
- short term memory problems
- various allergies
- sleep disturbances
- poor concentration.
Further information about ME/CFS Refer to:
Further Information:
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