The Presence of Allergies among Severely Handicapped Persons

Abstract

The presence of allergies among severely handicapped persons is often not suspected because of the number and type of learning and behavior problems they exhibit. As a result, classroom teachers may encounter students enrolled in programs for the severely handicapped who have undetected allergies. Since allergies can produce reactions which greatly interfere with a student's ability to attend to instruction, it is essential that teachers know what an allergy is and how allergies can affect learner performance. This article describes how teachers can screen their students for allergies and participate in a treatment program.