Unit 26 P1 Additional Needs
P1: Outline reasons why individuals may experience additional needs
Additional needs:
Additional needs or special needs is terminology pertained to individuals requiring additional
support with the purpose of accomplishing a point of attainment or recognising their complete
capability. Additional needs may be short or long term.
Physical disability
A physical disability is a restriction of the physical operation, dexterity, mobility or stamina. Physical
disabilities may include deficiencies limiting certain aspects of everyday life. This could be; epilepsy,
sleeping disorders or respiratory disorders.
Cognitive disability
A cognitive disability is also referred to as an intellectual disability or general learning disability, and
was previously referred to as a mental retardation, which is now commonly considered offensive
terminology. A cognitive disability is a comprehensive disorder distinguished by extensively
decreased cognitive functioning and scarcities in two or more adaptive performances that
materialise before adulthood.
Sensory disability
A sensory disability is an impairment of the senses such as sight (blindness) and hearing (deafness).
Genetic
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects more than 10’800 individuals within the United
Kingdom. Those with CF are born with the disorder and therefore it cannot be contracted later in
life. 1 in 25 individuals carries the faulty CF gene without being aware. In order to have cystic fibrosis
you must first inherit two defective copies of the gene (one copy from each parent). Due to the
multitude of diverse gene modifications causing CF each individual with the disorder may experience
distinctive symptoms depending upon the genes they carry. Regardless of how healthy individuals
with CF appear physically, they often encounter a variety of symptoms daily. An accumulation of
mucus within the lungs causes chronic diseases, meaning individuals with CF often have reduced
function of the lungs and spend a great deal of time taking nebulised medications and doing
physiotherapy daily. Abrupt declines in health often caused by infections may lead to recurrent
hospitalisation which interferes with home, work and social life. As the pancreas becomes
obstructed with mucus, the enzymes essential for the digestion of food are unable to arrive at the
stomach. Individuals with CF often take a variety of medications to aid in food digestion and to also
regulate respiratory symptoms. Individuals with CF will often require a carer due to their poor
health, often a carer who is trained in airway clearing techniques for example, if the accumulation of
mucus within the lungs begins to cause issues the carer must be able to clear the airway for the
individual with CF this could be through using techniques such as;
Autogenic drainage (gentle breathing techniques clearing the mucus from the lungs)
Airway clearance devices (handheld devices using vibration and air pressure to remove
mucus from the lungs)
Active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) (a breathing technique involving relaxed
breathing followed by deep breathing and huffing)
Modified postural drainage (a technique involving modifying the current position in order to
promote drainage from the lungs)
It is also crucial that people with CF are given an annual flu jab and are kept up to date with routine
vaccinations they may require.
P1: Outline reasons why individuals may experience additional needs
Additional needs:
Additional needs or special needs is terminology pertained to individuals requiring additional
support with the purpose of accomplishing a point of attainment or recognising their complete
capability. Additional needs may be short or long term.
Physical disability
A physical disability is a restriction of the physical operation, dexterity, mobility or stamina. Physical
disabilities may include deficiencies limiting certain aspects of everyday life. This could be; epilepsy,
sleeping disorders or respiratory disorders.
Cognitive disability
A cognitive disability is also referred to as an intellectual disability or general learning disability, and
was previously referred to as a mental retardation, which is now commonly considered offensive
terminology. A cognitive disability is a comprehensive disorder distinguished by extensively
decreased cognitive functioning and scarcities in two or more adaptive performances that
materialise before adulthood.
Sensory disability
A sensory disability is an impairment of the senses such as sight (blindness) and hearing (deafness).
Genetic
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects more than 10’800 individuals within the United
Kingdom. Those with CF are born with the disorder and therefore it cannot be contracted later in
life. 1 in 25 individuals carries the faulty CF gene without being aware. In order to have cystic fibrosis
you must first inherit two defective copies of the gene (one copy from each parent). Due to the
multitude of diverse gene modifications causing CF each individual with the disorder may experience
distinctive symptoms depending upon the genes they carry. Regardless of how healthy individuals
with CF appear physically, they often encounter a variety of symptoms daily. An accumulation of
mucus within the lungs causes chronic diseases, meaning individuals with CF often have reduced
function of the lungs and spend a great deal of time taking nebulised medications and doing
physiotherapy daily. Abrupt declines in health often caused by infections may lead to recurrent
hospitalisation which interferes with home, work and social life. As the pancreas becomes
obstructed with mucus, the enzymes essential for the digestion of food are unable to arrive at the
stomach. Individuals with CF often take a variety of medications to aid in food digestion and to also
regulate respiratory symptoms. Individuals with CF will often require a carer due to their poor
health, often a carer who is trained in airway clearing techniques for example, if the accumulation of
mucus within the lungs begins to cause issues the carer must be able to clear the airway for the
individual with CF this could be through using techniques such as;
Autogenic drainage (gentle breathing techniques clearing the mucus from the lungs)
Airway clearance devices (handheld devices using vibration and air pressure to remove
mucus from the lungs)
Active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) (a breathing technique involving relaxed
breathing followed by deep breathing and huffing)
Modified postural drainage (a technique involving modifying the current position in order to
promote drainage from the lungs)
It is also crucial that people with CF are given an annual flu jab and are kept up to date with routine
vaccinations they may require.
