MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Definition
Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. In muscular dystrophy, abnormal genes (mutations) interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle.
Useful Websites
Anatomy of muscular dystrophy:
The muscular dystrophies (MD) are a group of more than 30 genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. Some forms of MD are seen in infancy or childhood, while others may not appear until middle age or later. The disorders differ in terms of the distribution and extent of muscle weakness (some forms of MD also affect cardiac muscle), age of onset, rate of progression, and pattern of inheritance.
Treatment for muscular dystrophy:
No treatment is currently available to stop or reverse any form of muscular dystrophy (MD). Instead, certain therapies and medications aim to treat the various problems that result from MD and improve the quality of life for patients.
Types of treatment:
-
Physical Therapy
-
Beginning physical therapy early can help keep muscles flexible and strong. A combination of physical activity and stretching exercises may be recommended.
-
-
Respiratory Therapy
-
Many people with MD do not realize they have little respiratory strength until they have difficulty coughing or an infection leads to pneumonia. Regular visits to a specialist early in the diagnosis of MD can help guide treatment before a respiratory problem occurs2. Eventually, many MD patients require assisted ventilation.
-
-
Speech Therapy
-
MD patients who experience weakness in the facial and throat muscles may benefit from learning to slow the pace of their speech by pausing more between breaths and by using special communication equipment.
-
-
Occupational Therapy
-
As physical abilities change, occupational therapy can help patients with MD relearn these movements and abilities. Occupational therapy also teaches patients to use assistive devices such as wheelchairs and utensils.
-
-
Drug Therapy
-
Certain medications can help slow or control the symptoms of MD. These include the following
-
Glucocorticoids, such as prednisone.
-
Anticonvulsants. Typically taken for epilepsy, these drugs may help control seizures and some muscle spasms.
-
Antibiotics to treat respiratory infections.
-
-
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
INSTRUCTUAL STRATEGIES
What teachers should be aware of:
-
There are many types of MD (muscular dystrophy) disabilities that each one requires a different type of special education. But for the most part they all share some common similarities. Students with MD (muscular dystrophy) need their teachers to keep an open communication and maintain it because they can get fatigue throughout the day.
-
For the most part, students with MD require a wheelchair. The school itself needs a designated drop-off area where it is accessible for them and the parents. How far are their classes apart? Is there a different textbook they can use? Is there an evacuation plan for them? All of these accommodations and more are necessary fro students with MD.
-
Teachers need to have realistic expectations for parents and students with MD. Care routines and health care appointments can take a chunk time and take away time form learning opportunities.
Classroom management:
-
Students with MD Duchenne can have an increased of arguing, not following directions, and or refusing to cooperate. Recommendations are to talk to a behavioral therapists and this include incorporating parents and ensuring that parents talk to their child about their behavior.
-
As a teacher prioritize, develop routine and follow them as much as possible, and keep calm when a child misbehaves.
-
Strategies to manage difficult behavior in older children usually fall into two categories.
-
Behavior Modification Plan: The goal is to decrease negative behaviors and increase positive behaviors throught the use of rewards.
-
Collaborative Problem-Solving Strategy: The goal of this strategy is to promote problem-solving skills. Teachers work and manage the negative behaviors by trying to understand what is going on and resolving the problem. This strategy is very flexible and accommodate depending on the individuals needs.
-
-
Schedule frequent bathroom breaks so that they have an opportunity to move around and keep them focused in the classroom.
-
Allow social opportunities so that they can be included in the classroom and for peers to get to know them.
Inclusion in the classroom:
-
For students with MD try to minimize the amount of writing, and use many visual images so that they can understand what is going on.
-
Make sure the classroom board or project is visible for them since some of them might be in a wheelchair.
-
Create printable special handouts and presentations so that they can keep up with the classroom.
-
Additional set of textbooks and other techniques should be provided so that they won't have to carry heavy textbooks.
-
Provide a copy of notes from class and allow them to have access to computers so they can type, or pencils with special grips, or a tape recorder just in case they might need it later.
-
If writing is a problem, maybe let students with MD take oral exams. Allow them to have verbal assignments if they prefer.
Feedback & Assessments:
-
Promote the use of muscles whenever an opportunity is presented make sure it is appropriate and beneficial to the student.
-
Adapt some Physical Education activities so that the student can participate.
-
Always be alert to student's mood and behavior. If there is a significant change attempt to solve the problem before it escalates. Monitor their mood and academic growth because both of them work together to ensure effective learning in the classroom.
-
Extend time for projects, assignments, and tests. Allow them to finish what they stated and boost their confidence as they work on any assignment.
-
Provide consistent encouragement and support for students.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
Resources & References