What is Spina Bifida?
Spina Bifida is a condition where the spine does not develop properly leaving a gap. There are varying types of Spina Bifida ranging from mild to more life-altering. Most people with Spina Bifida have normal intelligence but it can also be accompanied by a learning disability.
What are the difficulties that Spina Bifida can cause?
Spina Bifida can cause challenges with everyday activities in varying degrees. Below are some of the likely challenges that the condition may cause:
- Handwriting difficulties
- Challenges playing with toys due to reduced hand control
- Difficulty completing self-care activities such as washing and dressing
- Environmental challenges such as access to the bath, toilet, house or car
- Difficulty with access to education
If you would like to learn more about how we as occupational therapists can help people overcome common difficulties associated with Spina Bifida, you will find some useful links at the bottom of this page.
How can an occupational therapist help with the challenges of Spina Bifida?
- Correct seating and positioning support, through the provision of wheelchairs, static seating and supported sleep systems
- Development of hand-eye coordination
- Development of upper body strength
- Advice on housing adaptations such as bathrooms, access, doorways, or moving between floors of the property
- Moving and handling advice and training
- Equipment provision
- Sensory programmes
- Accessing play
