Children with Limited Mobility
There are a broad variety of reasons why young children become wheelchair users. From physical conditions
like spina bifida, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy to spinal injuries caused by an accident or fall.
Spina Bifida: There are many different forms of Spina Bifida but all result from incomplete development of the
spine. The severity of this condition depends on the location of the split in the spinal cord. This is why some
children born with spina bifida can walk and others cannot. About eighty percent of children who are born with
spina bifida also suffer from hydrocephalus, which is commonly known as water on the brain, which can cause
some development, speech and perception difficulties.
Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy is not just one specific condition. It is used to refer to a large group of
problems that can affect muscles, resulting in problems with body movement. Cerebral palsy can lead to weakness
and lack of co-ordination of the muscles. In some people, the condition results in the person simply being clumsy.
Others are more severely affected and have severe limited mobility.
Muscular Dystrophy: Muscular dystrophy is the collective name for a range of neuromuscular conditions, which are
characterized by the progressive weakening of the muscles. It can affect both adults and children. Some forms arise
at birth or in childhood, others may not manifest themselves until later in life.