Explore Care By Stage

Duchenne progresses differently for every person. The progression of symptoms through the disease are on a spectrum, from late onset/very mild symptoms to early onset/severe symptoms. Regular visits with your neuromuscular team will help you to monitor the progression of this disease, and how it can best be treated along the way. If possible, you should be seen at least annually at a Certified Duchenne Care Center.

Diagnosis & Early Ambulatory (Childhood)

Children at this stage will have very few symptoms of Duchenne. Parents may notice that they have difficulty climbing stairs, running, and keeping up with their peers, or they may notice no deficits at all. 

Late Ambulatory (Late childhood/Adolescence/Young Adults)

At this stage, there is often fatigue with walking long distances and difficulty keeping up with peers. A carriage/scooter/manual wheelchair may be needed to help decrease this fatigue.

Early Non-Ambulatory (Adolescence/Young Adults)

Teens living with Duchenne will need to navigate all of the hurdles of normal adolescence, as well as the challenges of Duchenne. During adolescence, teens will need to start to become more independent and begin making decisions around their future adult lives.

Late Non-Ambulatory (Adults)

It is important that adults at this stage receive the care and services they need to stay as healthy, independent, and active as they want to be. It is also important to be engaged in a job or career, maintain an active social life, and stay engaged with the community.