Spina bifida remains one of the leading cause of infantile paralysis in the world. While it primarily affects the brain and spinal cord, it also impacts related body systems such as bowel, bladder, swallowing, and skin to name a few. How these changes affect one child can vary greatly from how they affect the next. As children grow to adulthood, there are many bridges to be crossed:
- From infancy to toddlerhood, and from young child to teenager
- From preschool to high school, to job training or college and beyond
- From living at home, to becoming a member of the community
No single map fits the journey for a family traveling the challenging road of individuals with spina bifida. However, with motivation, education, and encouragement, these children grow and successfully participate in life -- crossing one bridge at a time.
