Approximately one in 10,000 newborns is affected by spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a condition that results in muscle deterioration and impaired mobility. MORE: Eight notable people who have spinal muscular atrophy In this Roche video shared in August 2014, computer-generated graphics explain the relevance of motor neuron cells and survival motor…
If you are considered “totally and permanently disabled,” you may be eligible to receive a complete discharge of your student loans through the U.S. Department of Education, called a total and permanent disability (TPD) discharge. This can be…
Kevan Chandler always dreamed of going to Europe, but knew that he’d have to develop a creative solution in order to make his dream a reality. Chandler has SMA type 2, and while he knew that traveling abroad in his wheelchair would present numerous obstacles, he came up with an…
Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to help SMA individuals as their muscles deteriorate over time. Yet while it can be extremely difficult for a person who has SMA to do any kind of physical exercise on land, water therapy is an even better alternative. According to…
With the costs of therapy on the rise, it’s no wonder that some people have started looking to group therapy as an alternative. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), clinical trials have begun to demonstrate the effectiveness of group therapy, suggesting that it works…
Just as it’s possible for SMA individuals to go to public and private school when they’re growing up, a post-secondary education is also perfectly feasible. Yet just like any aspect of life with SMA, there are plenty of obstacles to overcome when it comes to going to college. If you…
If you or your child has SMA, you’re going to need professional caregivers at some point. There are many ways to go about this process, as some SMA individuals prefer to only work with friends and family members as their PCAs, which is a system that works for many. For…
Managing a chronic illness can be difficult. There are many different medications to take (often at different times), appointments to remember, symptoms to keep track of, and lots of information to absorb. Thankfully, living in a digital age means that there are numerous mobile apps that can help you manage…
One of the best resources for SMA individuals, parents and families is the vast amount of disability literature available to the public. There are many successful SMA writers whose stories provide insight into living with this condition, and also advice for overcoming the numerous challenges that come with it. Three…
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease where, over time, the muscles become weakened. In cases of SMA type 1 and SMA type 2, weakened chest muscles affect the child’s ability to breathe, so you will need to have some items of respiratory equipment in your home so that you…
