Affects and Strategies Associated with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Running head: AFFECTS AND STRATEGIES ASSOCIATED WITH DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

Stella Esquer

Fresno Pacific University

PSY-121 Human Learning

December 7, 2012

Mary Baker

Introduction

Muscular dystrophies are a group of common orthopedic impairments. The most common muscular dystrophy diagnosed in children is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) (Grootenhuis, de Boone, & van der Kooi, 2007). This condition has an impact on an individual's physical abilities as well as cognition, communication, socialization, and self-care skills (Katz-Leurer et al., 2008). Educators and parents can support the developmental needs of individuals with DMD by providing adaptive educational strategies that specifically target the needs of individuals with DMD. Educators and parents can also provide support with regards to assistive technology and equipment and can communicate with one another to ensure overall consistency for the child.

Description of Muscular Dystrophies

Muscular dystrophies are a neurogenetic chronic disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness (Hinton, Fee, Vivo, Goldstein, & Stern, 2004). DMD is caused by a mutation of a gene on the X chromosome and typically leads to complete non ambulatory status by the time a child is 10 years old. Respiratory and heart failure are also characteristics of DMD. This impairment primarily affects males, it is estimated that one in 3,200 boys will have DMD. It is the most common fatal childhood inherited disorder. Individuals with DMD are typically diagnosed between two and six years of age and have a life expectancy of around 20 years. In addition to medical issues and decreased mobility, children with DMD also demonstrate delayed language, poor social skills and are at risk for mental retardation (Hinton, Fee, Vivo, & Goldstein, 2006; Hinton et al., 2004).

Cognition

The majority of individuals with DMD have normal cognitive functioning; however, boys with DMD are at risk for...