Coping with Duchenne
Most children with Duchenne cope well with their medical condition and are described as emotionally well-adjusted. However, keep in mind that even well-adjusted children may experience frustration, sadness, anger, or anxiety.
Ways to maximize coping
- Be available to talk with the child or with others about Duchenne.
- Help identify and correct any specific cognitive or learning difficulty that is causing the student difficulty.
- Adjust the classroom setup and activities to maximize inclusion and participation of the child with Duchenne.
- Allow the child to be as independent as possible.
- Help the child understand and express emotions in a healthy manner.
- Involve the child in decision making as much as possible in an age appropriate manner (including his education and healthcare/medical treatments).
Information in this section was contributed, in part, by James Poysky, PhD. Read Dr. Poysky’s entire document, Learning and Behavior in Duchenne (download).
