Common Disabilities

Spina Bifida

Characteristics

Spina bifida is a birth defect, in which the spine fails to close properly. It affects 1 to 2 of every 1,000 births. In severe cases, the spinal cord protrudes through the back. Damage to the spinal cord can cause varying degrees of paralysis and loss of feeling. In the lower limbs, as well as bowel and bladder complications. Hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid on the brain, also affects a large percentage of children with spina bifida.

Crutches, braces, or wheelchairs are used to achieve independence, depending on the area of the spine that was damaged.

Hygiene can be a problem because of the loss of control of the bladder. Many times, especially in gym, this problem becomes pronounced. The teacher needs to deal with the hygiene issue at the beginning. Contact the nurse or resource teacher or both and have them work with the student on this issue.

Emotionally, students with spina bifida can become very withdrawn, they usually want to be independent and do not want to be singled out. Middle and high school becomes more difficult emotionally for these students.

Teaching Strategies

Safety: because of assisted mobility devices i.e.; crutches, wheelchairs, braces you need to consider this in your activities as far as adapting rules and activities so as not to have students trip over a walker or crutches during a tag game. Also be aware that the majority of students with Spina Bifida are allergic to latex so balloons or any equipment with latex needs to be avoided.