PowerPoint:

Spina Bifida and Muscular Dystrophy

This presentation examines the characteristics, causes, diagnosis, and early intervention strategies for two major congenital and genetic conditions affecting infants and young children. It explains how spina bifida, a neural tube defect, develops when the spinal column fails to close properly, outlining its three main types—occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele—and the genetic, nutritional, and environmental risk factors involved. The presentation also explores muscular dystrophy, particularly Duchenne and congenital forms, describing its genetic origins, progressive muscle weakness, and stages of physical decline. Learners engage in diagnostic simulations, role-play activities, and family-centered planning to connect medical information with early childhood intervention practices. Emphasizing interdisciplinary teamwork, rehabilitation, and inclusive education, the module highlights how coordinated supports from educators, therapists, and families improve outcomes for children with physical disabilities.

Case Study: Spina Bifida (Myelomeningocele)

Liam is a 4.5-year-old boy with Spina Bifida (Myelomeningocele) resulting in lower-limb paralysis, medical complexity (VP shunt, neurogenic bladder), and significant gross- and fine-motor delays — though his communication, social-emotional, and cognitive skills are largely age-appropriate. Follow Liam and his family as they navigate neonatal surgery, early intervention, assistive-technology provision, IFSP planning, and his transition into an inclusive preschool setting with mobility supports.

Sample Learning Activities: Motor Disabilities

Video Library The video library is a compilation of almost 500 videos that may be used in early childhood intervention pre-service courses or in-service training. Each video contains the following relevant information:

• Title with a description
• Link to video
• Suggested citation
• Length of the video
• EI/ECSE standard
• DEC Recommended Practice

Resources to supplement the syllabus:

Websites

Muscular Dystrophy Association: https://www.mda.org

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy: https://www.parentprojectmd.org

Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation: https://www.mdff.org

Muscular Dystrophy Information Page: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Muscular-Dystrophy-Information-Page

Webinars

Muscular Dystrophy Association webinars: https://www.mda.org/care/mda-engage/community-webinars

Physical Therapy and Muscular Dystrophy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-11wzftLJ4

Center for Parent Information and Resources: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/spinabifida/

Spina Bifida Resource Network: https://www.thesbrn.org/

Spina Bifida Association: https://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/

Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spina-bifida/symptoms-causes/syc-20377860 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/spinabifida/facts.html

Spina bifida (myelomeningocele, meningocele, occulta)- causes, symptoms, treatment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlDZA2PNW2o

Learning Modules

Assistive Technology: https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/

Related Services: Common Supports for Children with Disabilities: https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/rs/