Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. There are over 30 types of MD that vary in age of onset, progression rate, and pattern of inheritance. The most common forms are Duchenne MD, which affects boys and leads to loss of mobility by age 20, and Becker's MD, which has a slower progression in males. Teachers can support students with MD by making accommodations, encouraging independence and peer interaction, and recommending counseling to help manage the physical and psychological impacts of the disease.

1. Muscular Dystrophy Courtney Barlow

2. Definition: Muscular Dystrophy (MD) consists of a group of more than 30 generic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles that control movement or even cardiac muscles. The disorders differ in terms of the distribution and extent of muscle weakness depending on the age of onset, rate of progression, and pattern of inheritance. Some forms of MD are seen in infancy or childhood while others might not appear until middle age or later.

3. Background Muscular Dystrophy is not multiple sclerosis, which is an acquired disease and usually starts in early adult life. And unlike multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy is an inherited muscular disorder. An estimated 200,000 Americans of all ages are affected by several types of MD. The different types of MD are: Facioscapulohumeral MD, Limb-girdle MD, Myotonic Dystrophy, Ocular Dystrophy, Duchenne MD, and Beaker’s MD.

4. Background Cont. Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy: Usually appears between the ages of 10 and 40 Affects the muscles of upper arm, shoulder girdle, and face. Progression is slow and rarely leads to complete disability.

5. Background Cont. Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy: Affects muscles of the hips and shoulders. Usually starts in late childhood or early 20’s. Progression is slow.

6. Background Cont. Myotonic Dystrophy: Rare form of dystrophy Affects the hands and feet. Muscles are unable to relax for several seconds after forceful contraction. Infants show pronounced floppiness and are slow to develop.

7. Background Cont. Ocular Dystrophy: Rare form. Affects the eyes and throat. Can lead to double vision, drooping eyelids, and difficulty swallowing because of degeneration of throat muscles.

8. Background Cont. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Genetic, inherited through a recessive sex-linked gene. Most common form appearing in males, but could be passed to a female who becomes a carrier. Symptoms appear within the first 3 years of life. First muscles to weaken are hip-girdle muscles followed by the shoulder muscles, respiratory muscles, and heart muscles. Uncertain step, frequent falling, and difficulty getting off floor. Progresses steadily and life beyond 20 is not likely.

9. Background Cont. Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy: Similar to Duchenne MD May also be curvature of spine Muscles may appear bulky due to muscles wasting away and replaced with fat. Starts later in childhood and progression is slow. No cure developed.

10. Characteristics Physical Characteristics of individuals with types of MD were briefly stated under the various types of dystrophy. Most individuals require assistance with personal hygiene, eating, and dressing. This dependence on others affects the individual with MD, and, as with any other severe physical disability, there can be psychological and social problems.

11. Strategies For Teaching Create a classroom environment to meet their specific educational and physical needs. Allow extra time for students to move from place to place within the classroom. Respect the students wish to achieve but also their wish to be as independent as possible if desired. Cooperative learning is excellent for most students with MD. Teaming together with peers provides an opportunity to interact with others, make new friends, and be accepted easier.

12. Strategies For Teaching Keep MD students active for as long as possible to keep their healthy muscles in good condition. Encourage independence to avoid self-esteem problems associated with dependence on others, and encourage social opportunities. Recommend counseling for both the student and family members to ease the burden of dealing with muscular dystrophy on their own.

13. Works Cited Nielsen, Lee B. Brief Reference of Student Disabilities . second ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, 2009. 155-57. Print.