Resource File (RF)

SECTION DESCRIPTION

TASKS TO COMPLETE

1. Disability Name, Type & Category

The student will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of diverse family and community characteristics by learning names, nicknames, categories, and types of disabilities to include in a Word document (Standard 2a). 

Disability

· Name: Alopecia

· Type: Health-related disorder and a physical impairment

· Category: Characterized as “other” and an autoimmune disorder

Alopecia occurs when a person’s immune system attacks their hair follicles. This causes different levels of hair loss ranging from small quarter-size patches to the loss of hair over a person’s entire body. A person who has complete body hair loss would have no scalp hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair or pubic hair. Sometimes hair grows back then falls out again, grows back for good, or never grows back. There are different types of alopecia, but all share the common characteristic of hair loss in some form.

Optional:

Provide a photo or drawing that shows the disability/exceptionality in the box.

2. Causes & Statistical Data

The student will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of diverse family and community characteristics by knowing cause(s) of one disability and the prevalence of children affected in the population then include in a Word document. (NAEYC Standard 2a). 

· List the research-based cause(s).

· Include the source where you found it in APA style.

· Include statistical data to describe the prevalence of this disability in children.

The WebMD website states that doctors have not been able to learn one exact cause of alopecia, however they do think the cause is related to a person’s DNA. A person may have an alopecia gene that is triggered by hormones, stress, or poor nutrition. Doctors have also observed that a person is more likely to get alopecia if they have an underlying medical issue such as asthma, Down syndrome, or thyroid disease, to name a few.

According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation website, alopecia occurs nationally in 6.8 million people and people of all ages, both sexes, and all ethnic groups can develop it. Furthermore, uptodate.com reports that “one child out of every 1,000 children will be diagnosed with alopecia according to people or in 0.1% of the population.” Both males and females can develop this autoimmune disorder starting in childhood and continuing through adulthood.

Optional:

Provide a table or graph to show the statistical data. You may create it or copy and paste it from a reliable source. Reference your source in APA style.

Nanda, Arti & Al-Fouzan, Abdulwahab & Al-Hasawi, Fowzia. (2002). Alopecia Areata in Children: A Clinical Profile. Pediatric dermatology. 19. 482-5. 10.1046/j.1525-1470.2002.00215.x.

3. Treatments &  Therapies 

The student will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the multiple influences on early development and learning by describing how having a disability may affect a child’s development and learning. (NAEYC Standard 1b).  

· Name and discuss a combination of at least 4 traditional and alternative treatments or therapies specific to the disability you chose.

There is no known cure for people with alopecia, however there are treatments which include anti-inflammatory drugs or medications which can be applied to a person’s scalp to initiate hair regrowth. According to headcovers.com, “some studies have shown that rubbing Retin-A into the area of hair loss alone, or in combination with topical Minoxidil can result in moderate to good hair growth in individuals with alopecia”.  “Apart from medications, head coverings like wigs, hats, and scarves will cover a person’s hair loss and protect a person’s head from sun and cold” ( https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/alopecia-areata#3). Also finding ways to maintain hormonal balances, reduce stressors, and focus on overall health may help to lessen the symptoms of alopecia. Although alopecia is not a serious medical condition, it can lead to emotional challenges which a person might address through counseling and support groups.

Optional:

Provide a visual example or graphic of one treatment/therapy for the exceptionality.

4. Implications on a Child’s Development and Learning 

The student will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the multiple influences on early development and learning by describing how having a disability may affect a child’s development and learning. (NAEYC Standard 1b).  

How might a disability affect a child’s early development and learning in the five developmental domains? (Be sure to include a statement if a domain would not be affected.)

Alopecia mostly affects a child’s self-esteem and social-emotional development. Other children and adults may stare, make fun of, or ignore a child who has bald spots or no hair at all. Sometimes children who have this autoimmune disorder are asked “Do you have cancer?” since their hairless appearance resembles that of a person who has had chemotherapy treatment. Social situations may be uncomfortable for a child with alopecia or they may avoid them altogether. According to Jade Pinkett Smith’s Red Table Talk from June 2022, “some children have even committed suicide after being continually bullied by others who do not understand Alopecia”. A child who has alopecia may feel isolated and lonely while having low self-esteem. This could lead to avoidance of school or frequent absences which could cause them to fall behind in their academic subjects. They may have missing assignments and struggle to make up work that was missed on the days they were absent.

Optional:

Include a  table or chart to visually display the effects of the exceptionality upon a child’s five developmental domains.

Information for table taken from https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-019-0324-x

5. Implications on the Family Members

The student will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of diverse family and community characteristics by researching how families can be impacted by having a child in the family with an exceptionality (NAEYC Standard 2a). 

· List four ways families (immediate and extended) are impacted by having a child with your chosen disability. Consider both the struggles and the positive impacts.

1.Some parents may feel responsible for their child’s disorder since it is DNA-related and the challenges they experience because of it

2. Other parents may be overprotective of a child who has alopecia and try to “baby” them in fear of how others may treat them.

3. Parents may find it expensive and time-consuming to attend doctor’s appointments and counseling sessions for their child. This may result in parents missing work and income which can lead to financial concerns.

4. Siblings may be embarrassed or protective of a sibling who has alopecia. They may also be more accepting of others’ differences based on their experience of having a sibling who has alopecia.

Optional:

Include a video link or podcast link that relates to the impacts of the exceptionality upon immediate and extended family members.

Destigmatizing Alopecia in Kids (3-minute video)

https://youtu.be/6MpQIvZLus8