B Definitions

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

babbling -- repetition of consonant-vowel combinations of long strings, beginning about 4 months of age.

Babinski reflex -- a reflex in which stimulation applied to the sole of an infant's foot results in the infant spreading his or her toes.

baby biographies -- one of the first methods of child study, these narratives were written accounts by parents of what their babies did
and said, usually in the form of a diary or a log.

baby teeth -- see deciduous teeth

back and forth interaction -- communication between two individuals in which both respond and reciprocate emotions and thoughts.

backbone -- see spine

back to basics -- a movement of the 1970s and 1980s prompted by a desire for schools to return to teaching the basic skills usually
associated with academic learning, such as reading, writing, and arithmetic.

backward chaining -- method of teaching a task in which the instructor begins by teaching the last step in a sequence because this
step is most likely to be associated with a potent positive reinforcer.

bacteremia -- spread of a bacterial organism in the bloodstream.

bacteria -- a large group of typically one-celled, microscopic organisms widely distributed in air, water, soil,
and the bodies of living plants and animals (see picture).

bacterial endocarditis -- an infection of either the heart's inner lining (endocardium) or the heart valves.
It is very serious and sometimes fatal. It is caused by bacteria and a weakened heart.

bacterial infections -- bacteria that cause illness, that reproduce quickly in the body and give off
chemicals called toxins which damage tissue. Antibiotics are a treatment for bacterial infections. Some
bacteria that causebacterial infections are staphylococci (staph; can cause disease or infections), methicillin-resistant
staphylococcus aureaus (MRSA; antibiotic resistant, skin infections), streptococci (strep; strep throat, pneumonia, respiratory
infections), haemophilus influenzae (respiratory infections, ear infections, meningitis), E Coli (food poisoning), H. Pylori (stomach
ulcers), salmonella (food poisoning). Symtoms of a bacterial infection are fever, swelling, discharge and pain.

bacterial meningitis -- an infection of the meninges, the three membranes enveloping the brain.

bacterial pneumonia -- an infection of the lungs. Symptoms are coughing, fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Usually the
body keeps bacteria from infecting the lungs, but with bacterial pneumonia, bacteria reproduce in the lungs. The body responds
with inflammation in the alveoli (microscopic sacs in the lungs), and they fill with fluid. This causes the lungs to be less elastic which
causes the lungs to be less effective in taking oxygen into the blood and removing carbon dioxide from the blood.

bacterial vaginosis -- an STD in which the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of
certain bacteria. It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning. While considered a sexually
transmitted disease, the cause is not fully understood. However having sex with a new partner or multiple sex partners and douching
seem to be risk factors.

bad dads -- men who have little or no contact with their children and provide little or no economic support.

balance -- the ability to maintain bodily equilibrium -- for a baby, not to fall down all of the time. During the middle childhood years,
balance grows tremendously, which supports running, hopping, skipping, throwing, kicking, and rapid directional changes required in
sports.

balanced families -- families who fit into the four central categories of the Couple and Family Map: families who are flexibly
connected, flexibly cohesive, structurally connected, or structurally cohesive.

balanced polymorphism -- a kind of genetic diversity in which the genes that cause diseases provide certain genetic advantages as
well as disadvantages.

ball and socket joint -- allow the greatest freedom of movement. The hips and shoulders have this type of joint, in which the round
end of a long bone fits into the hollow of another bone.

banding pattern -- a series of light and dark bars that appear on chromosomes after they are stained. Each chromosome has a
distinct banding pattern.

bankruptcy -- the state of being financially insolvent or unable to pay one's bills.

bard -- historically, an oral poet, often a court poet, whose function was to glorify the deeds of heroes or leaders.
Technically, the word bard referred to Celtic oral poets in general. In France, they were called trouveres in the
north and troubadours in the south; in Scandinavia, they were called skalds. Today the word is generally used
to mean a poet.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome -- obesity, genital anomalies, polydactyly, retinal anomalies, intellectual disability,
learning disabilities, speech disorders, abnormal liver function, cataracts, occasional cardiac and renal
anomalies, diabetes, delayed puberty, ataxia, spasticity, night blindness. Bardet-Biedl and Laurence
Moon syndrome were previously called Laurence- Moon-Bardet-Biedl syndrome but are now known to
be separate disorders. Cause: linked to six distinct chromosomal loci: 2q31, 3p12-p13, 11q13, 15q22.3--q23, 16q21, 20p12.
Inheritance is usually similar to autosomal recessive. Rare in most populations; increased frequency in Newfoundland as well as in
Arab population in Kuwait and Bedouin population. A cause of deaf-blindness.

bargaining -- stage of bereavement, sometimes used to describe the reaction of parents of children with special needs.

barotrauma -- injury related to excess pressure, especially to the lungs or ears.

barrier-free facility -- a building or other structure that is designed and constructed so that people with mobility disabilities (such
as those in wheelchairs) can move freely through all areas without encountering architectural obstructions.

basal-body-temperature method -- a woman uses a special thermometer to record her body temperatures daily, in order to know
when she is ovulating. Many women have a slight drop in temperature 1 -- 3 days before ovulation. Then, there is a sharp rise at the
beginning of ovulation. Ovulation is confirmed if the rise is sustained for at least 3 days. It is unsafe to have unprotected intercourse
from the day the temperature drops until 3 days after it rises if one is not desiring pregnancy. If one IS desiring pregnancy, that would
be a good time to have intercourse.

basal ganglia -- sections of the brain that are near the stem, close to where the spinal cord
meets the bottom of the brain matter. Clusters of nuclei deep within the cerebrum and the
upper parts of the brain stem that play an important part in producing smooth, continuous
muscular actions in stopping and starting movement (see illustration).

basal metabolic rate -- minimum amount of energy needed to carry on the body processes
vital to life.

baseline -- Data that are collected on a behavior, prior to a systematic plan being introduced
-- these data provide a base against which later behavior can be compared.

baseline period -- a period during which a researcher observes a subject's behavior without
regard to reinforcing or punishing stimulus events.

basic emotions -- those emotions that are present and observable in the newborn or within
the first few months of life; they include happiness, interest, surprise, disgust, distress, fear,
anger, and sadness.

basic forms stage -- the stage in the development of art when a child finds, recognizes, and
repeats at will basic shapes such as rectangles, squares, and circles.

basic interpersonal communications (BICS) -- the language of face-to-face conversation
skills that is normally acquired at about 2 years.

basic needs -- conditions, described by Abraham Maslow, that are necessary for growth; these needs, such as physiologic
conditions and safety and security, are critical for a person's survival.

basic skills approach -- an approach to beginning reading instruction that emphasizes training in phonics -- the basic rules for
translating written symbols into sounds -- and simplified reading materials. Distinguished from whole language approach.

basic trust versus mistrust -- in Erikson's theory, the psychological conflict of infancy, which is resolved positively if caregiving,
especially during feeding, is sympathetic and loving.

basophils -- a type of white blood cell. These are extremely rare, making up less than 1% of the white blood cells in the body at any
given time. Their role is not well understood. Basophils originate in the bone marrow, where they are created by stem cells.

Batten Disease (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) -- progressive neurodegenerative
disease. Child develops normally until 6 -- 18 months of age and then starts to lose motor and
cognitive skills. Rapid vision loss between 4 and 7 years; gradual onset of ataxia, myoclonic
or major motor seizures, mental retardation, and severe retinal degeneration occur. Gradual
intellectual decline, spasticity, psychosis, kyphoscoliosis, decline in speech, behavioral
problems, sleep disturbance. Fatal outcome usually by adolescence. Autosomal recessive;
CLN3 gene mapped to chromosome 16p12.1, with the common cause being a large deletion in
the gene. Associated complications are microcephaly, seizures, behavior problems,
progressive neurological deterioration. Prenatal diagnosis is available by demonstrating
inclusions in the chorionic villi. Incidence is 1/100,000; recurrence risk for siblings, 25%. Also
called Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. (see picture).

battered woman syndrome (BWS) -- a subcategory of postraumatic stress disorder
consisting of a cluster of cognitions, feelings, and behaviors brought about by the effects of
trauma, learned helplessness, and the cycle of violence that culminates in the victim's belief
that she cannot escape her abuser.

battering -- a process whereby one member of an intimate relationship experiences vulnerability,
loss of power and control, and entrapment as a consequence of the other member's exercise of
power through the patterned use of physical, sexual, psychological, and/or moral force. See physical
violence.

B.C.E. -- Before the Common Era. This is the international designation for BC (Before Christ).

B complex vitamins -- supplements containing all eight B vitamins.

beast epic -- a medieval literary form consisting of a linked set of animal tales revolving around the
same characters. Beast epics were especially popular in France. Stories about Reynaud the Fox and
the animals with whom he interacted were frequently the subjects of these tales (see painting) (also
called animal tales or beast tales).

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) -- see muscular dystrophy

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome -- omphalocele (congenital defect in the abdominal wall
containing the intestine), macrosomia (large body size), large organs (especially the tongue),
neonatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), advanced growth for the first 6 years, with advanced
bone age, occasional hemihypertrophy (enlargement of one side of the body), kidney or adrenal
anomalies, increased risk of malignancy (liver, kidney, muscle), occasional mental retardation
(may be due to hypoglycemia). Caused by a presumed failure to suppress gene for insulin-like
growth factor, type 2 (IGF2), caused by a duplication of paternal chromosome 11p15.5, maternal chromosome rearrangements
involving chromosome 11p15.5, or mutations in one or more critical genes in this region, mostly new mutations with autosomal
dominant inheritance with variable penetrance when passed from an affected individual.

bed and board divorce -- in English history, a divorce that allowed the husband and wife to live separately, but the legal obligations
of marriage continued.

bedevilment -- a form of grief in which one focuses only on the negative memories of a deceased loved one.

bed-wetting -- see enuresis

behavioral assessment -- examination of factors that govern children's behavior under given conditions.

behavioral audiological evaluations -- hearing tests that require the child to respond to a series of beeps called pure tones to
indicate that she hears the sound.

behavioral autonomy -- the capacity to make and follow through with decisions on regulating one's behavior.

behavioral contract -- an agreement, written or oral, between people, stating that if one party behaves in a certain manner (for
example, the student completes homework), the other (for example, the teacher or parent) will provide a specific reward.

behavioral curriculum model -- a model, based on learning principles of behavioral psychology, which emphasizes direct instruction
through a prescribed sequence of instructional activities.

behavioral disorders -- conditions in which the emotional or behavioral responses of individuals in various environments significantly
differ from those characteristic of their peer and their ethnic and cultural groups. These responses seriously affect social relationships,
personal adjustment, schooling, and employment. Also called emotional disorder, emotional disturbance ...

behavioral factors -- behaviors, such as dangerous activities or maternal substance abuse, that can cause mental retardation or
other disabilities.

behavioral genetics -- a field devoted to uncovering the contributions of nature and nurture to the diversity of human traits and
abilities (see picture of an actual, real, live behavioral geneticist).

behavioral goals and objectives -- statement of desired outcome for a child

behaviorally disordered -- children who demonstrate chronic or pervasive behavior challenges.

behavioral theory -- a theory of learning based on the ideas of BF Skinner, who is considered the
father of behavioral psychology. Major tenets of behavioral theory include an analysis of behavior, its
stimulus and consequences, systems of reinforcement, and direct instruction of skills.

behavior control -- method of modifying behavior that often includes using negative comments or
punishment after "undesirable" behavior has occurred.

behavior disorder -- a disabling condition characterized by behavior that differs markedly and
chronically from current social and cultural norms and adversely affects educational performance.
Sometimes called seriously emotionally disturbed.

behavior geneticist -- individual who seeks to understand both the genetic and environmental contributions to individual variations in
human behavior (see picture).

behavior inhibitions -- the ability to regulate one's attention and how often it switches, and the behavior that accompanies this
ability; students with ADHD have difficulties with behavior inhibition.

behavior intervention plan (BIP) -- set of strategies designed to address the function of a student's behavior in order to change it.

behaviorism -- theory of learning concerned primarily with observable components of behavior, including classical and operant
conditioning; directly observable events -- stimuli and responses.

Behaviorist Theory -- a psychological theory developed in the US in the 20th century, which states that all important aspects of
behavior and people are learned and can be modified or changed by varying external conditions.

behavior management -- techniques used to help children learn to use more appropriate behavior and less inappropriate behavior.

behavior modification -- procedures that combine conditioning and modeling to eliminate undesirable behaviors and increase
desirable ones.

behavior patterns -- customary ways of conducting oneself.

behavior problems -- types of actions or responses that are considered inappropriate.

behavior trapping -- a method of instruction in which the environment is arranged to provide for the positive reinforcement of
behaviors. Typically used to promote social behaviors.

behind the ear hearing aid -- a small amplifying device worn behind the ear, the most common
type of hearing aid worn by children.

being needs (B-needs) -- Maslow: the fifth level of the hierarchy of needs, or self-
actualization. In this level, there is growth motivation, and it does not involve homeostasis.
All of the lower needs, or deficit needs need to be fulfilled in order to achieve this level. According to
Maslow, only 2% of the world's population is self-actualizing.

beliefs -- definitions and explanations people have about what is true; convictions of truth of a
statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon.

belief system -- one of the four major components of the sociocultural context in which families live, centering on religious/ spiritual/
ethical beliefs and other ideas about how to live successfully and happily in the world.

bell curve -- the theoretical, natural distribution of a group of scores; most scores are in the middle range. The curve is symmetrical,
with a single peak in the center. The center is the mean score, and one standard deviation to either side of the mean represents
approximately 68% of the population; 2 standard deviations around the mean represent roughly 95% of the population. Another
standard deviation (i.e., 2 standard deviations to either side of the mean) represents roughly 99% of the population.

belligerence -- the behavior of provoking and challenging one's partner's power and authority.

Bell's Palsy -- a temporary form of facial paralysis that occurs with damage to the nerve that controls movement of the muscles of the
face. Symptoms are changes in facial expression, difficulty eating or drinking, drooling, droopy eyelid or corner of mouth, dry eye or
mouth, face feels stiff or pulled to one side, facial paralysis on one side, headache, loss of sense of taste, pain behind or in front of the
ear, hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound), twitching in the face, weakness in the face. About 60% to 80% of cases go away in a few
weeks to months.

benchmark -- a point of reference for measurement and evaluation. Used especially in connection with content standards. For
example, standards may state that 'by the end of the second (or fourth, or eighth) grade, children should be able to . . . '

benevolence -- beginning at about 8 years old, children recognize that special recognition should be given to those at a
disadvantage. Also they adapt their basis of fairness to fit the situation, relying more on equality with strangers and more on
benevolence with friends.

benevolent neglect -- paying no attention to minor speech and language errors that usually self-correct as the child's
communication skills mature.

benevolent sexism -- holding positive attitudes toward women yet endorsing negative status for them.

benign -- lacks all three of the malignant properties of cancer (growing in an unlimited, aggressive manner; does not invade
surrounding tissues; and does not spread to non-adjacent tissues [mestastasize]).

bereavement -- the process of dealing with loss, particularly the death of a loved one, involves grieving that
may be uncomplicated or complicated.

Beriberi -- disease caused by thiamine deficiency (see picture).

best practices -- Recommended strategies agreed upon by members of a profession.

beta blockers -- medications (e.g., propranolol [Inderal]) that were initially used to control high blood pressure
and have subsequently been found to be useful in treating tremor and migraine headaches.

bewilderment -- a stage of grief.

bias -- preconceived attitudes that may affect objectivity, either positively or negatively.

bicultural -- identifying with both the majority and minority culture.

bicultural-bilingual approach -- instructional approach advocating ASL as the primary language and English as the second
language for students who are deaf. ASL would thus serve as the foundation for learned English.

bicuspid pulmonic valve -- 2 instead of 3 cusps.

bidialectal -- refers to someone who uses two variations of a language.

bidirectional effects -- both the influence of the child on the parent and the influence of the parent on the child; child development
specialists and family scientists concur that studying these effects is important to an understanding of parent-child dynamics.

bifurcate -- the splitting of a main body into two parts or branches.

bigamy -- having two spouses at one time.

bilateral -- having 2 sides.

bilateral amplification -- amplification of sound in both ears.

bilateral cleft lip and/or palate -- palate and/or lip that are cleft on two sides.

bilateral descent -- a method of tracing the lineage of children equally through ancestors of both mother and father (see diagram).

bilateral hearing loss -- hearing loss in both ears.

bilateral integration -- the ability to perform activities requiring both sides of the body working together, such as hopping or skipping.

bilateral manipulation skills or use of hands -- the ability to coordinate the use of both hands. Each hand is performing a separate
task for a common outcome. Examples: buttoning, cutting.

bile -- a thick digestive fluid released by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It breaks down fats into fatty acids, which can then be
taken into the body by the digestive tract. Bile contains mostly cholesterol, bile salts, and bilirubin. It also contains water, potassium
and sodium, as well as a small amount of copper and other metals.

bilingual -- ability to read, write, and speak two languages fluently.

bilingual-bicultural (Bi-Bi) approach -- Teaching students ASL as the primary language of instruction and English as a second
language for reading and writing print; its goal is for students to function in both the Deaf and hearing cultures.

bilingual education -- an approach that is often used with English language learners (ELLs) in which the student's dominant
language is used along with English for instructional purposes.

bilirubin -- the orange-yellow pigment of bile, which is formed principally by the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells after
their lifespan ends; then it normally travels in the bloodstream to the liver, and ultimately most is excreted in the stool.

binary fission -- a method of asexual reproduction that involves splitting of a parent cell into two daughter cells.

bilingual special education teacher -- professional who is knowledgeable about both bilingual education and special education.

bind -- Freud: the process by which the secondary process manages or traps free libido. Thinking instead of
fornicating, for instance. (Obviously binding has disadvantages as well as advantages ...)

binding statements -- habits of interaction that generally close or diminish the probability of continued
conversation.

binocular vision -- the focusing of both eyes on an object to provide a stereoscopic image (see
illustration).

binuclear family -- a post-divorce family in which both parents participate in the raising of their children
despite living in separate households; the children generally reside with one of the parents.

biochemical theory -- a theory about the origins of love; it suggests that love results from our biological,
chemical, and hormonal origins.

bioecological model -- a theoretical model that emphasizes the unique contribution that the individual
and the environment, working together, make to development.

bioethics -- the study of ethics in medicine.

biologic agents -- microorganisms that cause damage to human cells by either living on cells or by causing inflammation of the
cells and that travel throughout the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

biological causes -- changes in physiological functioning due to genetic or environmental factors; also called physiological causes.

biological essentialism -- explaining all gender differences in terms of biology.

biological father-stepmother family -- a family in which all children are biological children of the father and stepchildren of the
mother.

biological insult -- a term that describes interference with or damage to an individual's physical structure or functioning.

biological mother-stepfather family -- a family in which all children are biological children of the mother and stepchildren of the
father.

biological risks -- medical conditions that threaten to compromise a child's health, particularly perinatally, and are predictive of later
delays.

biomedical factors -- biologic processes, such as genetic disorders or malnutrition, that can cause mental retardation or other
disabilities.

biopsychosocial approach -- an approach to stress management and health care that assumes a connection among a person's
physical symptoms, psychological issues, and social context.

biotin -- a B-group vitamin.

biotinidase deficiency -- inborn error of metabolism that results in the body's inability to recycle the vitamin biotin; can be fatal if
untreated, but patients respond well to oral biotin supplementation; see multiple carboxylase deficiency, late onset, juvenile
form.

bipolar disorder -- a psychiatric disorder manifested by cycles of mania and depression. Periods of manic (hyper-excitable)
episodes alternating with periods of deep depression. Bipolar disorders are chronic and recurring affective diseases that may have
degrees of severity, tending however to worsen with time if not treated. Severe crises can lead to suicidal attempts during depressive
episodes or to physical violence against oneself or others during manic episodes. In many patients, however, episodes are mild and
infrequent. Mixed states may also occur with elements of mania and depression simultaneously present. Some people with bipolar
affective disorders show a rapid cycling between manic and depressive states; previously called manic depression.

birdnesting -- a variation of joint custody whereby the children stay in the family home and the parents alternate staying with them.

birth defect -- any abnormality present at birth, particularly a structural one, which may be inherited genetically, acquired during
gestation, or inflicted during the birth process. See congenital anomaly.

birthmarks -- see cafe au lait spots.

bisexuality -- Freud: what we all have going psychically. For Freud, this meant that everyone is part passive (= female) and part
active (= male), although later in his career he began to question those problematic traditional equations. The idea of inherent
bisexuality came to him from his friend Wilhelm Fliess.

bladder -- a hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine.

blamer -- a person whose style of anger management is
characterized by a short temper, emotionally intense response to
stress, and the belief that others are responsible for his or her
feelings.

blastocyst -- the embryonic group of cells that exist at the time
of implantation (see illustration).

blended family -- a term used to describe a stepfamily. Some
researchers object to the term because it creates unrealistic
expectations that the new family will quickly and easily blend together
harmoniously and because it assumes a homogeneous unit, one
without a previous history or background. Also called reconstituted family.

blepharitis -- an inflammation of the eyelash follicles, causing an
overgrowth of bacteria.

blepharoptosis -- droopy upper eyelid, see illustration.

blind -- having either no vision or only light perception; incapable of reading conventional printed material (not including illiteracy).

blindisms -- Atypical mannerism displayed by some children with severe vision loss.

blind marriage -- a marriage in which neither partner saw the other until the day of their wedding.

blindness -- disability in which an individual has no vision or has only the ability to detect the presence or absence of light. Legal
blindness is defined as visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye with the best possible correction; or a much reduced field
of vision (at its widest, a visual arc of 20 degrees or less).

Blissymbols -- a system developed by C.K. Bliss that ties a specific symbol to a word. There
are four types of Blissymbols: pictographic, ideographic, relational, and abstract (See sketch)

Block alphabet -- letters of the alphabet are "written" onto a person's hand -- a
communication system used by people who are deaf-blind.

blocks -- often one of the largest activity areas in a preschool classroom, this area may
include wooden blocks, a doll house, toy garages, cars, trucks, boards, carpet squares, toy
people, building set, traffic signs, etc (picture there).

blood -- a specialized body fluid that delivers necessary substances to the body cells (nutrients
and oxygen) and removes waste. It is composed of blood cells suspended in plasma.

blood cells -- blood has seven kinds of cells: red blood cells (erythrocytes), platelets
(thrombocytes), and five kinds of white blood cells (leukocytes): neutrophils,
eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes.

blood clots -- clumps that occur when the blood hardens from a liquid to a solid (coagulates).
A clot inside a blood vessel or within the heart is a thrombus.

blood connective tissue -- blood is considered a connective tissue because it has the same origin (mesodermal) as do the
other connective tissue types, and blood connects the body systems together bringing the needed oxygen, nutrients, hormones
and other signaling molecules, and removing the wastes.

bloodletting -- originally used in Egypt; Hippocrates documented curative blood-letting in 500 BC; in the Middle Ages, monks were
required to undergo regular bloodletting. Barbers were given the task later: the barber pole (red and white stripes) represents
blood (red) and tourniquet (white) (see???). Today, bloodletting is used rarely, but has been found to be effective in treating
hemochromatosis (a condition marked by excessive iron in the body). Patients with hemochromatosis donate a pint of blood
per week until their iron stores are normal. Afterward, they donate blood once a month to keep iron levels where they should be.

blood PaO2 -- a measurement of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen (i.e., the amount of oxygen in the blood.)

blood pH -- blood acidity normally 7.25 to 7.40.

blood poisoning -- see sepsis.

blood pressure -- blood is carried from the heart to all parts of the body in arteries. Blood pressure is the force of the blood
pushing against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is at the highest when the heart beats (systolic pressure). When the
heart is at rest, blood pressure falls (diastolic pressure).

blood sugar (blood glucose) -- the main sugar that the body makes from food. Glucose is carried through the bloodstream to
provide energy to all cells in the body. Cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin.

blood vessels -- the paths whereby blood is transported throughout the body. There are three major kinds of blood vessels:
arteries, which carry the blood away from the heart; capillaries, which enable the actual exchange of water and chemicals between
the blood and the tissues; and the veins, which carry blood from the capillaries back toward the heart. Other blood vessels are
arterioles and venules.

Bloom syndrome -- pre- and post-natal growth retardation, dolichocephaly (long head), microcephaly, narrow face with prominent
ears and nose, genital anomalies, syndactyly and/or polydactyly, skin abnormalities (cafe au lait spots, hyperpigmentation,
hypopigmentation, facial telangectasia, hypertrichosis), mild mental retardation or learning disabilities, chronic lung
disease, infertility in males, reduced fertility in females, non-insulin dependent diabetes, immunoglobulin deficiency, predisposition
to neoplasm (lymphoma, leukemia, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma). Caused by mutations in the BLM gene which
encodes the BLM RecQ protein on chromosome 15q26.1, autosomal recessive.

blue-collar couple -- a couple in which one or both partners is employed in a blue-collar job.

blueprint for movement -- predetermined sequence of muscular growth and ability to move.

B lymphocytes -- a lymphocyte derived from bone marrow that provides humoral immunity. It recognizes free antigen molecules
in solution and matures into plasma cells that secrete immunoglobulin (antibodies) that inactivate the antigens. Yeah, I said it.

BMD muscular dystrophy, Becker type, see muscular dystrophy and Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy

Bodhisatta -- Often spelled BODHISATTVA. In Buddhism, an enlightened person who chooses not to enter
nirvana (escape the cycle of rebirths) but instead remains within the cycle as a guide and teacher for others
(see picture).

bodily-kinesthetic -- awareness of the body's position and movement; one of Howard Gardner's nine
intelligences; this kind of learner is physically active, prefers hands-on learning, and is talkative. Often called
the "mover."

body-mass index (BMI) -- a measurement of the relative percentages of fat and muscle mass in the human body,
in which weight in kilograms is divided by height in meters and the result is an index of obesity.

body-worn hearing aid -- amplification device worn on the chest with wires
to the ear, connected to individually fitted ear mold. (examples are shown)

bolster -- covered foam cushions of various shapes often used during
occupational or physical therapy; a therapeutic device to keep a child in the
desired position.

bolus -- a small rounded mass of food made ready by tongue and jaw
movement for swallowing.

bonding -- parents' feelings of affection and concern for the newborn baby.

bone cancer -- a cancer which can occur in childhood. Chondrosarcoma
(forms in the cartilage), Ewing's sarcoma (occurs in the hip bones, long
bones of the thigh and upper arm, and ribs; generally occurs between ages 10
and 25), osteosarcoma or osteogenic sarcoma (the sixth most common malignancy in children and the most common bone cancer
in children; usually occurs in the long bones of the thigh, calf, and upper arm; generally occurs between ages 10 and 25).

bone-conduction hearing aid -- amplification device for a person whose ear canal
is closed, which allows sound to bypass the blocked ear canal and stimulate the hearing
mechanism. It rests on the bone behind the ear and is held in place by a headband
(illustration shows path of sound into the aid and the ears).

bone disorders -- physical or motor disorders caused by problems in bone
development or functioning, i.e., osteogenesis imperfecta, hip dysplasia, or
osteomyelitis.

bone marrow -- the flexible tissue found in the hollow interior of bones. In adults,
marrow in large bones produces new blood cells. It constitutes 4% of total body
weight in adults. There are two types of bone marrow: red and yellow. Red blood
cells, platelets, and most white blood cells come from red marrow. Both contain
numerous blood vessels. At birth, all bone marrow is red. With age, more and more is converted to yellow. Half of adult bone
marrow is red, found mostly in flat bones such as hip bone, breast bone, skull, ribs, vertebrae, and shoulder blades, and in the
material at the epiphyseal ends of the long bones. Yellow marrow is found in the hollow interior of long bones.

bone tuberculosis -- a chronic, recurrent infection that most often causes pulmonary disease, but in this case, the involvement is in
the skeleton. Tuberculosis is caused by a mycobacteria, most commonly Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. bovis. Bone
tuberculosis usually attacks long bones of the body such as the femur, but it can also affect the spine. It can lead to deformation
and bone necrosis.

bones -- the dense, semi-rigid, porous calcified connective tissue that forms the skeleton. Bones aid in movement and are
reservoirs of calcium and phosphate. and are the source of all blood cells. Bones provide support for our bodies and help form
our shape. The skull protects the brain and forms the shape of our faces. The spinal cord, a pathway for messages between the
brain and body, is protected by the spinal column. The ribs form a cage that shelters the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen; and the
pelvis helps protect the bladder and intestines, and in women, the reproductive organs. Although they are very light, bones are strong
enough to support our entire weight. They are fastened to each other by long fibrous straps called ligaments.

books and quiet area -- an area in an early childhood setting for a child to go to be alone, quiet in one's thoughts,
and a place to explore the world of books (see picture).

boomerang kids -- adult children who came back to their parents' home to live as a result of divorce, job loss, or an
inability to make it in the real world.

borderline disorders -- a group of psychological disturbances which exhibit various combinations of normality,
neurosis, functional psychosis, and psychopathy. The term borderline implies that there is no dominant pattern of
deviance, but there are problems with impulsivity, instability of moods, and so forth. Antisocial disorder is characterized
by long-standing problems such as a disregard for the rights of others, irresponsibility, and resisting authority.

Borjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome -- obesity, short stature, postpubertal gynecomastia (breast enlargement in males),
long, thick ears, coarse facial appearance, protruding tongue, hypogonadism (small testes), cataracts or other eye anomalies,
tapering fingers, varying degrees of mental retardation, seizures, microcephaly, hypotonia. Caused by gene PHF6 linked to
chromosome Xq26.3, X-linked recessive, with females less severely affected.

bottle mouth syndrome -- a pattern of tooth decay, predominantly in the upper teeth, that develops as the result of permitting a child
to go to sleep with a bottle containing juice, milk, or any other caloric liquid that may pool in the mouth (see just below).

bottom-up model -- see developmental model.

botulism -- poisoning by botulin toxin and manifested as muscle weakness or paralysis.

boundaries -- the lines that both separate systems from and connect systems to each other. The notion of a boundary implies a
hierarchy of interconnected systems, each larger than the one before it.

boundary ambiguity -- lack of clarity about whether a person is either in or out of the family system; related to family
stress levels. The concept includes two variables: physical and psychological presence or absence. High ambiguity
produces high levels of stress.

bound flow -- describes movement that is punctuated or halting, such as the movements of a robot.

bound morphemes -- morphemes that cannot stand alone in meaning (-ed, -ing, etc.)

bowlegs -- a condition in which the knees remain wide apart when a person stands with the feet and ankles together.
(see picture)

BPD -- see Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

brachialis -- a muscle in the upper arm.

brachial plexus -- a group of spinal nerves that run from the lower neck through the upper shoulder area. These nerves allow the
arm, forearm, and hand to move and feel things.

Brachmann-de Lange syndrome -- see Cornelia de Lange syndrome or de Lange syndrome .

brachycephaly -- a congenital malformation of the skull in which premature closure of the coronal suture
results in excessive lateral growth of the head, giving it a short, broad appearance with a cephalic index
between 81 and 85 – normal is 100 (see picture).

brachydactyly -- abnormally short fingers or toes (see hands below)

bradycardia -- abnormal slowing of the heart rate, usually to fewer than 60 beats per
minute; slow heartbeat, causing fainting, dizziness, chest pain.

Brahman -- In Hinduism, the universal soul of which all are a part. Each individual has
a unique soul, Atman.

Brahmin -- a member of the priest cast in India.

Braille - System of tactile reading and writing that uses various combinations of six
embossed dots, arranged in a pattern with two dots across and three dots down, to
denote letters, numbers, contractions, punctuation marks, and special symbols (see
alphabet illustration).

brain damage -- (also called brain impairment, brain injury, brain dysfunction) any
damage to the brain caused by illness, injury, or drug use.

brain hemisphericity -- two hemispheres, or sides, of the brain deal with information and function in
different ways.

brain impairment -- see brain damage.

brain injury -- any damage to the brain caused by accident, illness, or drug use.

brain lesions -- lesions refer to a wound, sore, rash, boil, or other abnormality of tissue; described as
benign, cancerous, gross, occult, or primary (see picture).

brain plasticity -- the ability of other parts of the brain to take over functions of damaged regions.
Declines as hemispheres of the cerebral cortex lateralize.

brain stem -- the primitive portion of the brain that lies between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It
links the lower brain with the middle of the brain and cerebral hemispheres. It is considered the "inner
core" of the brain and regulates life-support. The brain stem contains the medulla (vital involuntary
functions), the pons, the reticular formation (sleep, arousal, attention) and attaches to the
cerebellum (balance/movement). (see diagram)

brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) -- see auditory brain stem response.

branchial arches -- a series of arch-like thickenings of the body wall in the pharyngeal
region of the embryo.

Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome -- branchial clefts, fistulas, and cysts, malformation of
auricle and sinus, renal abnormalities, conductive and/or sensorineural hearing loss.
One of the 10 syndromes most commonly associated with hearing impairment.

Braxton Hicks contractions -- mild, irregular contractions of the uterus experienced
throughout pregnancy, especially during the last month or two.

brayer -- an ink roller used with a printing plate. The brayer is rolled in a shallow pan filled
with water-soluble ink or tempera paint.

breastfeeding -- feeding a baby from a mother's breast rather than from a bottle; usually
better than bottle-feeding for the physical well-being of the baby.

breath-holding spells -- involuntary holding of breath.

breech -- presentation of baby buttocks-first during birth (see illustrations).

Broca's aphasia -- also called motor aphasia or non-fluent aphasia; difficulty speaking;
words are stuttered and halting. Articulation coordination is difficult.

Broca's area -- a language structure located in the frontal lobe of the left hemisphere of
the cerebral cortex that controls language production. This is part of the left frontal area in
the cerebrum. It converts thoughts into sounds (or written words) and sends the message
to the motor area. Impulses go first to Wernicke's area, then to Broca's area (see
illustration).

broker rule -- one role of a social worker that involves linking a family with services.

bronchial asthma -- an allergic reaction with breathing difficulties and wheezing. The
smooth muscles wrapped around the airways spasm, causing them to narrow, and producing
mucous. Most bronchial asthma attacks are caused by hypersensitivity to airborne particles
or allergies to foods.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia -- A chronic lung disorder that occurs in about 7% of
premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome. It is associated with 'stiff' lungs
that do not permit adequate gas exchange and frequently leads to dependence on
ventilator assistance for extended periods of time.

bronchospasm -- acute constriction of the bronchial tubes, most commonly associated
with asthma.

Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas -- Supreme court case that clarified
that "separate cannot be equal" leading to racial desegregation of public schools, 1954.
Although this was not a disability issue, the precedent extends to segregation of all children.

bruxism -- repetitive grinding of the teeth.

budgeting -- the regular, systematic balancing of income and expenses.

bulbar signs -- the bulbar muscles are those supplied by the motor nerves coming off the
brain stem which control breathing, swallowing, talking, and other functions of the throat.
Bulbar signs are problems with these functions.

bulimia nervosa -- eating disorder in which binge eating is alternated with purging.

bullying -- aggressive behavior, repeated over time, that is intentionally harmful and occurs
without provocation.

bulk -- material to increase quantity of intestinal contents and stimulate regular bowel
movements. Fruits, vegetables, and fiber provide bulk in the diet.

buphthalmos -- an abnormal distention and enlargement of the eyeball (see illustration).

burlesque -- a form of comedy that makes light of serious situations or treats light situations in
a serious manner (displays a discrepancy between content and style of presentation). The term
has also been applied to include raucous stage entertainment with songs and skits.

butryophenones -- drugs that inhibit the neurochemical dopamine in the brain and are used to control Tourette Syndrome,
psychosis, and self-injurious behavior. An example is haloperidol (Haldol).

B vitamins -- vitamins that help the body process energy from food. They also help form red blood cells. B vitamins are B1
(thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (biotin), B12, and folic acid. B vitamins come from fish,
poultry, meat, eggs, dairy products, leafy green vegetables, beans, peas, and fortified cereal and bread.