This course will provide clinicians with an overview of pediatric neuromuscular diseases, with an emphasis on congenital muscular dystrophies (such as Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy) and spinal muscular atrophy. Several groundbreaking medical advancements, such as gene therapy and exon-skipping, are making significant impacts on the natural course of these conditions, changing the physical therapist’s management of those with neuromuscular diseases. This course will highlight the clinical presentation of multiple neuromuscular diseases while describing in more depth the important clinical considerations for physical therapy screening and management of neuromuscular disease as well as the role of the physical therapist as an interdisciplinary team member.

Upon completion of the course, the attendee will be able to -
- Understand and describe the clinical presentation of the most common pediatric neuromuscular disorders, including early indicators and red flags when screening for neuromuscular disorders.

- Understand and describe appropriate PT evaluation and management of individuals with DMD.

- Understand and describe appropriate PT evaluation and management of individuals with SMA.

- Identify FDA-approved treatments for neuromuscular disorders and resultant considerations for physical therapy management.

- Recognize considerations for management of individuals with neuromuscular conditions across the lifespan.