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Neuromuscular Diseases (NMD) occurs in 1 out of 3,000 children! NMD includes Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Becker Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Peripheral neuropathies (such as like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease), mitochondrial diseases and others. Can anything be done to positively impact these children’s function and quality of life? The answer is Yes…and You can help.
Medical breakthroughs in Pediatric NMD have changed disease progression and living with the diseases significantly. These breakthroughs are transforming our expectations for these children, as well as our roles as occupational and physical therapists. Childhood muscle weakness needs to be identified early and treated appropriately to preserve function. Are you equipped to provide them the services they now need?!
On Day 1, Carly will discuss pharmacologic breakthroughs and current research in the area of pediatric neuromuscular disorders, focusing on muscular dystrophies and SMA and how they have led to a different clinical picture than described in the past. Participants will practice administration of various free and easy-to-use assessment tools, such as the North Star Ambulatory Assessment, Motor Function Measure, Performance of Upper Limb Assessment, etc. Carly will discuss the use of these assessment tools to monitor outcomes and as predictors of disease progression.
On Day 2, participants will learn specific treatment ideas in the home, school and clinical settings. Carly will discuss interventions for children with various abilities, from children who are able to sit, those who are ambulatory, and those who require substantial supports from caregivers. Participants will explore appropriate interventions for various stages of these health conditions, as well as when children are transitioning between these stages. Contraindications will also be highlighted. Case vignettes will be utilized to illustrate effectiveness of intervention and to facilitate discussions on decision-making, goal writing, and development of plan of care. Case studies of children in different stages of these health conditions will be used to facilitate learning, and to gauge achievement of the learning objectives. Finally, participants will be equipped with resources they can share with families, educators and other caregivers regarding the care for individuals with pediatric neuromuscular disorders. Activewear is recommended for the hands-on portions of the course.
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