1. Description of the chosen disability.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive genetic condition that causes skeletal and heart muscles to breakdown leading to difficulties in mobility and walking (Muscular Dystrophy Australia [MDA], 2015, para. 1). DMD predominantly affects males with approximately “…one in 3500 live male births throughout the world” (MDA, 2015, para. 1). According to Emery, Muntoni, and Quinlivan (2015, p. 31) the most common concerns from parents with children experiencing their first signs of DMD are decreased balance resulting in falls and toe walking. Kane’s (pseudonym) is a six-year-old male who was diagnosed with DMD at age three (Appendix A). At 18 months Kane’s parents first noticed a delay in his walking and at 23 months he developed a toe walking gate and would frequently fall over. Kane was initially diagnosed with a developmental coordination disorder, however, after extensive testing, he was diagnosed with DMD at age two and a half. …show more content…
759). As Kane grew so did his symptoms; his posture deteriorated and physical appearance changed. Kane, now age six, finds it difficult to walk due to calf hypertrophy, joint contraction, and lordosis (curvature) of the spine. He also developed a protruding stomach due to weakness in the stomach muscles. These physical impairments are the basis of gross motor skill difficulties including coordination of the arm and legs which cause Kane to become easily
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive genetic condition that causes skeletal and heart muscles to breakdown leading to difficulties in mobility and walking (Muscular Dystrophy Australia [MDA], 2015, para. 1). DMD predominantly affects males with approximately “…one in 3500 live male births throughout the world” (MDA, 2015, para. 1). According to Emery, Muntoni, and Quinlivan (2015, p. 31) the most common concerns from parents with children experiencing their first signs of DMD are decreased balance resulting in falls and toe walking. Kane’s (pseudonym) is a six-year-old male who was diagnosed with DMD at age three (Appendix A). At 18 months Kane’s parents first noticed a delay in his walking and at 23 months he developed a toe walking gate and would frequently fall over. Kane was initially diagnosed with a developmental coordination disorder, however, after extensive testing, he was diagnosed with DMD at age two and a half. …show more content…
759). As Kane grew so did his symptoms; his posture deteriorated and physical appearance changed. Kane, now age six, finds it difficult to walk due to calf hypertrophy, joint contraction, and lordosis (curvature) of the spine. He also developed a protruding stomach due to weakness in the stomach muscles. These physical impairments are the basis of gross motor skill difficulties including coordination of the arm and legs which cause Kane to become easily