Spina Bifida is a fault in the spinal column when one or more vertebrae fail to form properly, leaving a gap or split which causes damage to the central nervous system. The effects of Spina Bifida depend on the type of lesion and its position on the spine.
Types of Spina Bifida
There are 3 main types of Spina Bifida:
Myelomeningocele (Hydrocephalus is usually associated with this type)
Meningocele (the outer part of the vertebrae is split)
Occulta (spinal cord is usually undamaged).
These are some things which can be affected in people who have Spina Bifida: sensation; balance; movement, cognition and continence.
Children and young people with Spina Bifida often have difficulties with damage to the nerves which interfere with normal bladder and bowel working. Some children and young people with Spina Bifida may require catheterisation or other support with using the toilet.
Education strategies
- Every child or young person with Spina Bifida is different, but it may impact their concentration; memory, organisation; flexibility of thinking; movement and information processing. Use the following link to view strategies to support concentration and organisation: Concentration and organisation – Support for schools and settings (devon.gov.uk)
- Consider accessibility of the school site: is there step free access? Can the child or young person move independently around the site?
- Is there an appropriate toilet for the child or young person to use to maintain their health and dignity? Read the Changing Places guide, using the following link to create a suitable environment Changing Places Toilets (changing-places.org)
- Do they need an Intimate Care Plan? Use our templates to create a policy and strategy for your setting using the following link: Intimate care – Support for schools and settings (devon.gov.uk)
- Additional advice about using the toilet is available using the following link: Home – ERIC
For more information
Use the following link to find out more information