EDU 214

Objectives
To understand the cause of muscular dystrophies Signs and characteristics of MD Teaching strategies Assistive technology ideas Local resources Related laws

What is Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases thats characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of voluntary skeletal muscles.

There are nine main forms of MD and the most common is Duchenne MD.
Occurs in about 1 in every 3500 males

Limb-Girdle, Myotonic and Emery-Dreifuss are other forms of MD. These forms can also affect females.
More then 50,000 Americans are affected with

MD.

Cause
MD is caused by an inherited defective or randomly mutated gene. These genes are found on the X-chromosome. These genes regulate proteins necessary for good muscle health. In Duchenne MD the mother is the carrier who passes on the defective gene, even though she herself shows no signs of the disease. Women have two Xchromosomes. The one with the defective gene and one healthy.

Treatments
There is no known cure for Muscular Dystrophy. Research is promising in the areas of

Stem cell replacement

Gene therapy
Exon skipping- skipping parts of genetic

code to allow partially functioning proteins. Not a cure but could lessen the severity of the disease.

Characteristics
Usually MD can be spotted in early childhood-the toddler or preschool years. Sometimes it does not fully develop until later childhood or teenage years. These children start walking late and will seem clumsy or fall down more then their peers. Enlarged calf muscles are also an indicating sign.

Increased difficulty in walking up stairs or running. By school age these children often start walking on the balls of their feet. They stick out their stomachs and pull back their shoulders.

To stand from a sitting position, children start to use the Gowers Maneuver as their leg muscles weaken.

Teaching Students With MD

Children with MD can have intelligence of all levels but many seem to have at least some form of learning disability.
Cognitive problems can be with memory or

attention span.

MD students often miss a lot of school because of health problems or surgeries.

Sending home schoolwork or a tutor may be

needed to keep them from falling behind.

Learning difficulties increase with age as gross and fine motor skills suffer from muscle loss.
Class time tends to be missed more for

lengthy bathroom trips and moving from room to room. Having a child move less and a bathroom nearby can help save time. Writing skills suffer and often it becomes too difficult to do.

Assistance from peers, teachers or an aid will become necessary.

Ways to Help MD Students

Allowing extra time to complete assignments. Shortening the length of their assignment. (ie. Three page paper instead of five) Making materials easily accessible during class and/or someone to help access them. Be understanding of these students frustrations and possible refusal of help.

Assistive Technology Ideas

Laptops with a keyboard or alternative input method to aid in writing.

Dictation or Word/Speak-Q

Allowing for assignments to be emailed or uploaded rather then printed out. Use of slant boards and smart boards. Adjustable tables. Ipads or tablets with touchscreens.

Helpful Tips
It is important to encourage visitors and social interactions. Helping a student focus on his abilities and hobbies rather then his shortcomings is paramount and great for developing and maintaining intellectual and mental health. Future job opportunities such as, in an office or in computer aided design are best but there are many options for these children to pursue.

Muscular Dystrophy Resources

The Muscular Dystrophy Association Mda.org Local MDA Office 6305 Ivy Lane #320 Greenbelt, MD 20770. #301-486-7680 Infants and Toddlers Program 1480 Furnace Branch Ave Glen Burnie, MD 21060 #410-222-6911

Related Laws

Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) MD CARE Act Reauthorization (2013)

What can you do to help make learning easier for students with Muscular Dystrophy?

References
Emery, A. (2008). Muscular dystrophy (3rd ed.). Oxford, GBR: Oxford University Press. Muscular Dystrophy Association. (2014). Retrieved from mda.org Taylor, R. L., Smiley, L. R., & Richards, S. B. (2009). Exceptional students. New York, NY: Mc Graw-Hill Higher Education. Wolff Heller, K., Mezei, P. J., & Thompson Avant, M. J. (2008). Meeting the assistive technology needs of students with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Journal of Special Education Technology, 23(4), 15-30.