This is a practical guide for Occupational Therapists and others who provide services to people who have Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The goal of the book is to deepen the readers understanding of the support that occupational therapists can offer to families who are affected by this condition. Written by experienced occupational therapists with a special interest in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The book will provide information and support to therapists who may be working in isolation, or who rarely work with this client group. It is for the experienced therapist as well as the student. Each chapter of this book gives a clear and comprehensive description of different aspects of occupational therapy assessments and interventions. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and usually most severe form of muscular dystrophy. It is an inherited disorder, caused by a defective gene and rapidly progresses to muscular weakness and skeletal deformities, which contribute to frequent breathing and heart disorders. Increasingly, occupational therapists (OTs) are called upon to work with those with the condition and their family in the early stages of DMD, and then through to the middle and late stages. Written by experienced OTs with a specialist interest in DMD, the book:

· Provides a medical overview and the OT process for working with people with DMD
· Examines the psychosocial and emotional impact of DMD
· Includes case studies of four young men living with the condition
· Details the care needs of the individual from pre-school to young adults living independently
· Looks at issues of moving and handling, community care, leisure, housing, education and employment
· Discusses the role of the hospice, anticipatory grief and bereavement.

This practical guide is a resource that facilitates a flexible and informed clinical approach to occupational therapy with this client group. It will assist occupational therapists in all practice settings, healthcare professionals and provide a reference for referral for doctors. It also provides useful information for the families of young people with the condition.