Peer Tutor for Kids with Muscular Dystrophy. - Muscular Dystrophy Message Board

chellsearock · 08-12-2004, 07:44 PM

Hi, My name is Chelsea, I am in Middle school now, and at my school we have a program for physically imparied students. I have joined a peer tutor program, were I am going to start working with the students helping them in school, and at lunch time and just general things that they need help with. Mainly i'll be working with kids with Muscular Dystrophy. I know nothing about this really, and what it effects. I was wondering if there was anyone to shed some light on the subject so I know what they can and can't do exactly, My first day with them in Next Monday, and Iwant to be prepared so I can spend more time interacting with the kids, insted of learning what they can't and can do... If any one can help i'd greatly appreciate it.

Chelsea

Mark&MelissShaw · 08-13-2004, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chellsearock

Hi, My name is Chelsea, I am in Middle school now, and at my school we have a program for physically imparied students. I have joined a peer tutor program, were I am going to start working with the students helping them in school, and at lunch time and just general things that they need help with. Mainly i'll be working with kids with Muscular Dystrophy. I know nothing about this really, and what it effects. I was wondering if there was anyone to shed some light on the subject so I know what they can and can't do exactly, My first day with them in Next Monday, and Iwant to be prepared so I can spend more time interacting with the kids, insted of learning what they can't and can do... If any one can help i'd greatly appreciate it.

Chelsea

My husband has Muscular Dystrophy and I've helped out a few people on here and I thought I could help you too. Children of that age can do quite a lot, some will be falling over, getting tired easily, difficulites getting up off the floor. The effect of this disability is to do with the muscles, that is why as a child gets older, the child will eventually lose all use of the legs and arms, my husband proved the doctors wrong, he is one of the oldest suffers with dmd, kids effected are supposed to die in their middle teens but Mark celebrated his 33rd birthday yesterday ( 12th ), I can explain more if you would like some information, however I can not post web sites on here but there are plenty of info on MD sites, look on search engines and type in muscular dystrophy and it will shed some light, if you get stuck, just post and I'll answer you.

Love Melissa
xx

Sooner_Magic_14 · 09-13-2004, 07:28 AM

That's WONDERFUL that you're going to do that. I have MD myself. When I was diagnosed with it the doctors told me parents to "take me home and make me as comfortable as they can for what little time I have left." Well, that was 25 years ago and here I am with a college degree!

Anyway, for me, it really frustrated me when people assumed I couldn't do things. But at the same time it also frustrated me when they assumed I could do things, and would stand there and watch me struggle. I'd say to let the kids try things on their own, and offer your help, until they (or a teacher, parents, etc) tells you different. Maybe you could ask the teachers of the kids ahead of time what specifically they need help with.

I'm so glad to read that you're doing this. When I was in school, other students were always willing to help me, but I hated always having to find someone and ask for help. Having someone just BE there to help would've been really nice.