MD is a group of inherited genetic conditions that cause the muscles to weaken over time, leading to increased disability.
There are four main types:
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common and severe type, and causes muscles weakness mainly in the legs and upper arms. DMD usually affects boys rather than girls
- Becker muscular dystrophy. The signs and symptoms are similar to Duchenne but tend to be milder and progress more slowly. Symptoms generally begin in the teens but might not occur until the mid-20s or later
- Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy causes weakness in the muscles around the top of the arms and legs, leading to difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, and may result in tripping. Onset usually begins in childhood or the teenage years, in both males and females
- Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy causes muscle weakness which typically begins in the face, hip, and shoulders. The shoulder blades might stick out like wings when arms are raised. Onset usually occurs in the teenage years but can begin in childhood, or as late as age 50
What are the symptoms of MD?
Muscle weakness and a difficulty controlling movement are the main symptoms and these may be accompanied by:
- Muscle wasting – in which the muscles become thin
- Muscle hypertrophy – this makes the muscles bulkier than normal, even though they work less well
- Aches or pains in the muscles
- Contractures, when joints are tight, due to tightness of the muscles or reduced movement of the joints
- Developmental delay in a child, with milestones coming later than usual
Supporting a child with MD in the classroom
Children with a diagnosis of MD will have different symptoms, but all will require personalised care and equipment to help them to access learning. Conserving energy is a challenge in school because children with MD often have severe fatigue.
Other considerations include:
- Accessibility: ensure the physical school environment is accessible, including clear pathways and accessible restrooms so they can move comfortably around the school
- Equipment: pupils with MD may need a laptop, specialised seating or a hoist
- Provide necessary equipment, such as a laptop, specialized seating, or a hoist, as assessed by specialists
- Support from a teaching assistant with physical tasks and learning generally
- Working with the school nurse or Senco to establish an emergency plan and procedures
- Implementing a modified timetable and schedule of rest breaks to manage fatigue
- Adapting the curriculum and activities such as PE to encourage participation. Action Duchenne has produced this useful leaflet on PE lessons
- Educating the child’s peers so that they understand the condition and empathise with the child. This can help to prevent teasing and encourage classmates to be helpful
- Collaborating with medial teams such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists to understand the condition and its progressive effects on the child
- Ensuring that the child’s mental health and wellbeing needs are being addressed
*For more information go to https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/support/information/everyday-life/education/ and
