In Australia, disabilities are classified based on the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10), which is a global standard for classifying diseases, disorders, and disabilities. The ICD-10 provides a comprehensive list of various disabilities and health conditions, each with its own specific diagnostic criteria.
Some common classified disabilities in Australia, based on the ICD-10 classification system, include:
- Intellectual Disabilities: These are characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. They may be present from childhood and can significantly impact a person’s ability to learn, reason, and function independently.
- Physical Disabilities: These include a range of conditions that affect a person’s physical functioning, mobility, or coordination. Examples include spinal cord injuries, amputations, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy.
- Sensory Disabilities: This category encompasses disabilities related to the senses, such as visual impairments (e.g., blindness, low vision) and hearing impairments (e.g., deafness, hearing loss).
- Mental Health Disabilities: Mental health disabilities refer to a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s emotional well-being, cognition, and behavior. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
- Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: This category includes conditions that affect the development of the nervous system and brain function. Examples include autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and specific learning disorders.
To be deemed a disability, the impairment or condition must impact daily activities, communication and/or mobility, and has lasted or is likely to last 6 months or more.
It’s important to note that these are general categories, and there are many specific disabilities and health conditions within each category. The specific diagnosis and classification of a disability are typically determined by medical professionals based on the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic criteria outlined in the ICD-10.
For specific information about disabilities and their classifications, it is recommended to consult healthcare professionals, disability support organizations, or refer to official resources such as the ICD-10 or the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) website in Australia.