Chronic Disorder

A chronic illness is any medical condition that has a prolonged course and often interferes with physical and mental functioning. Chronic medical conditions may also be marked by periods of acute exacerbation that require more intensive medical attention (Donovan & Alan, pp. 34-46). Examples of chronic illnesses include acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), asthma, cancer, cerebral palsy, congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, leukemia, sickle cell disease, and spina bifida.

It is estimated that 15% to 18% of school-aged children in the United States have a chronic medical illness or disabling condition, putting the number of children under ...