Spina Bifida Program

The Conductive Learning Center (CLC) is planning a Parent and Child and a Young Early Childhood group aimed at working with the special needs of the Spina Bifida or Spinal Injury child. The group will meet for two weeks, three hours per day and the fee is $700.00.

Parent and Child Group: age up to 24 month; January 30- February 10, 2012

Young Early Childhood Group: age 2 – 4 years; February 13-24, 2012

The goals addressed during these sessions will be fine and gross motor as well as self-care, in particularly addressing toileting challenges, and toileting awareness for children with spinal disabilities.

Please fill out a New Student application if your child has never participated in a CLC program; or a Returning Student application if your child has attended CLC previously. These applications are at: http://conductivelearningcenter.org/new_students.php. Applications must be submitted and assessment appointments for “new students” set up by January 6, 2012.

Spina bifida is a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings. Spina bifida occurs at the end of the first month of pregnancy when the two sides of the embryo’s spine fail to join together, leaving an open area. In some cases, the spinal cord or other membranes may push through this opening in the back. The condition usually is detected before a baby is born and treated right away. CLC uses a collaborative approach that puts families at the center of the child’s care. We work together with professionals involved in the care of the child to tailor conductive education services to the needs of the child.

• The rate of spina bifida is higher in Michigan than nationally.
• Nationally the rate is 2.4/10,000, the rate in Michigan is 6.7/10,000 live births.
• According to the Spina Bifida Association of America, spina bifida is the most frequently occurring permanently disabling birth defect.
• Spina bifida is a complex condition involving the nervous, urinary, muscular and skeletal systems. It affects each patient differently depending on the extent and location of spinal cord damage.

Our conductor teachers monitor how bones, muscles and joints develop in children who have Spina Bifida. We assist the child and family to develop motor skills and to become as independent as possible. We use proven techniques to assist the child in bowel and bladder training.