Learning and Behaviour Toolkit
Since its launch in 2001 a number of PPUK families have reported that concerns they have about their sons learning and behaviour was not being properly assessed or even commented upon in Special Educational Needs Statements. At the PPUK 3rd International conference in London in October 2005 attended by 200 family members and international researchers and clinicians there was considerable interest in the research examining cognitive and academic difficulties among boys with Duchenne. Professor Veronica J. Hinton, a neuropsychologist who has been studying the cognitive, behavioural and psychosocial effects of the disease in the USA, spoke with families about emerging patterns to learning and behaviour problems within the Duchenne community.
As a result, PPUK commissioned a working group in the UK to publish a toolkit for parents, Educational Psychologists, Speech Therapists, SENCos, Special Needs Teachers and SEN Support staff in schools. The working group met with Veronica J. Hinton, in London on June 23rd 2006. The toolkit published at the PPUK’s 4th International conference in October 2006 is a compilation of information about the cognitive and behavioural characteristics associated with DMD, as well as interventions that may be helpful in improving the quality of life for all those affected.