Education Issues

An adolescent with a known history of spina bifida would face several issues regarding her education and learning abilities. It is important to know that learning disabilities and mental retardation occur in a minority.

Biological aspect

• Individuals with both myelomeningoele and hydrocephalus may have learning disabilities, (difficulty paying attention, problems with language and reading comprehension, trouble learning math)
• Due to malformation of cerebellum which is responsible for fine motor movements and the gateway for various cognitive skills.
• Corpus callosum anomalies may cause a reduced communication between 2 cerebral hemispheres. Individuals may have problems with spatial and learning skills.

Psychological aspect

• In school, these individuals may face discrimination by their peers.
• Their academic performance is affected due to the learning disabilities.
• Lack of interest in studies.
• Low self esteem due to problems catching up with the studies leading to depression and anxiety.
• Headaches due to increased intracranial pressure from CSF might affect the study time and lead to reluctance when it comes to learning.
• Feels isolated when faced with stiff competition in school. May compare themselves to other students and feel degraded.
• Poor motivation, refusal to consult teachers when faced with academic problems to avoid being labelled as a person with learning disabilities.
• May miss out on important events such as exams if they have to undergo surgeries due to complications.

How can we help them?

• Early intervention can help considerably to prepare these children for school.
• Encourage and support child's independence and self-sufficiency.
• Students should be in the least restrictive environment and their day to day activities should be as "normal" as possible.
• It often helps to have a psychological evaluation, which tests the child's intelligence, academic levels (reading, spelling, math etc.), and basic learning abilities (visual perception, receptive and expressive language skills).
• Set up support groups in school for children with learning disabilities.
• Counselling to improve self-image and lessen barriers to socialization.