Physical disabilities include a wide variety of conditions that affect a child's movement or ability to accomplish some physical task. A physical disability might be a condition that is addressed with physical therapy or some assistive device, or it can be serious enough to be life-threatening.

Neural Tube Defects

Neural tube defect refers to the malformation or absence of some part of the central nervous system (the spinal column and brain). Spina bifida is one kind of neural tube defect in which an opening remains in a baby's spinal column. Spina bifida can result in full or partial paralysis of the legs. Anencephaly is the other major neural tube defect. With this condition, a part or all of the brain does not develop.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a condition that refers to a lack of muscular control because of a breakdown of communication between the motor control centers of the brain and the muscles of the body. A child with cerebral palsy may have difficulty walking or using her arms and hands to complete everyday tasks.

As with most disabilities, cerebral palsy is manifested in degrees. Some children have milder symptoms and may walk with leg braces or crutches. Others have a more severe form that results in limited use of all of the limbs. Cerebral palsy can occur while the child is still in the womb. In some cases it develops or becomes evident during birth or infancy.

More Physical Disabilities

Some babies are born without limbs or with limbs that are not fully formed. Sometimes this happens because of a genetic factor; sometimes this is a result of medication taken by the mother during pregnancy; and in some cases, the cause is unknown.

Other physical disabilities are caused by illness. Juvenile arthritis, muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis are a few debilitating illnesses in children.

Physical defects can also be caused by injury. As with every type of special need, a physical disability can be acquired at some point in childhood (or adulthood). Children with orthopedic disabilities usually receive physical and occupational therapy to help them learn strategies for everyday life.