Muscular Dystrophy

  • Genetic
  • Ranges from mild to life-limiting
  • Progressive condition
  • More common in boys

A disorder of the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the muscles.   The disease leads to a breakdown of muscle fibres causing weak and wasted muscles.  The disease usually begins to show itself in childhood.  The disease can range in severity from mild where it causes only mild disability to severe where the person will get progressively worse being confined to a wheelchair and with a limited lifespan.

Although children with Muscular Dystrophy may start school with little or no signs of disability, they will need statemented as the progress of the disease can be rapid.  Weakness will cause them to need physiotherapy and perhaps special equipment such as a computer.  He/she will probably need help from a classroom assistant.

Case Studies
Teaching Strategies

People who can help: SENCO/Resource Teacher; Physiotherapist

Books

Further Information

http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org
http://www.mdi.ie/intro.html