Cognitive/behavioral diagnoses associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a pediatric neuromuscular disorder that affects 1/3,500 boys. Children grow progressively weaker over time and most become wheelchair dependent by middle-school. DMD also presents with cognitive problems, although the majority of boys are of normal IQ. This study sought to determine the nature of problems reported by parents of boys with DMD attending elementary school. 82 parents answered questions about their child's developmental history. Parents reported on their child with DMD (n=82) and unaffected siblings (n=44) who were within four years of age of the proband. Questions about specific diagnoses and types of interventions were coded and chi-square analyses were run to examine between-group differences. When compared to controls, reported rates of speech delay (43% vs 7%, chi-square =18), developmental delay (48% vs 0%, chi-square =33) and attention deficit disorder (21% vs 2%, chi-square = 9) were all significantly higher among children with DMD. No between-group differences were found on reports of hearing or vision impairment, asthma, chronic lung disease, thyroid disorder, tics or other undefined disabilities. As expected, children with DMD received significantly more physical (84% vs 2%, chi-square = 91) and occupational (65% vs 0%, chi-square = 58) therapies. Further, significantly more boys with DMD received speech therapy (59% vs. 14 %, chi-square = 23). Thus, in addition to the well-known physical effects, DMD impacts on early development of speech, language and attention skills. Increased awareness of these developmental issues may help to improve the quality of life for young children with DMD.