Living with Multiple Sclerosis - What Teachers Need to Know

Although multiple sclerosis is not a condition that will present itself very frequently in a school setting, there is still a good argument for special education teachers to know the facts about this physical disability. Here is a quick outline of some key multiple sclerosis facts that will help you better understand the condition:

1. The cause is not fully known, and may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental causes
2. In a person with multiple sclerosis, the body's own defense mechanisms attack the myelin sheath which surrounds the nerves in the central nervous system of the body, causing breakdown of the nerve pathways and interruption to the transmission of nervous impulses that control movement
3. Multiple sclerosis will affect different people in different ways, with some experiencing more severe levels of disability than others
4. Some people with multiple sclerosis will remain fully mobile for many years after diagnosis while others will need assistance such as a walker, manual or electric wheelchairs
5. It is estimated that there are around two and a half million people around the world who have multiple sclerosis
6. Multiple sclerosis comes in different forms, and the associated progression and features of each type vary from one to the other
7. Diagnosis often occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 years
8. Most people with multiple sclerosis live at least to 95% of the normal expected lifespan
9. A range of treatments including medications and physical therapy exercises can help improve functioning and decrease the effects of symptoms when a relapse occurs

Living with multiple sclerosis can be challenging. With support from a range of health providers including people to provide medication information and intervention, nursing care, continence advice, emotional support, physical therapy exercises, information on aids and equipment and neurological support for memory difficulties, a person with multiple sclerosis can function well. Advice from MS organisations such as the MS Society in Australia can be very helpful in providing up to date information and specific multiple sclerosis facts that are relevant for individuals.

It is likely that treatments such as physical therapy exercises will be targeted at relieving specific symptoms such as muscle tremor or balance or movement control. Physical therapy exercises are often directed by a physical therapist (physiotherapist) or an assistant. Often physical therapy can be done at home. Some physical therapy exercises may be done in a swimming program as well. This provides physical support for the body and is relaxing and enjoyable.

The onset of multiple sclerosis is usually around 20 - 40 years. So why do teachers need to know about the condition at all, if it is unlikely to affect students in the primary or secondary years of schooling? The reality is you are not likely to encounter multiple sclerosis in a regular school setting. However, teachers do not only work in the school system - many find work in other areas of education. You may sometimes see a student with this physical disability in upper high school, but it is more likely in one of the many other settings that special education teachers often find themselves working. For example:

• Tutoring services
• Adult training settings
• Universities
• Disability Support Services
• Employment and workplace training settings
• Recreation programs
• Swimming programs for people with physical disabilities
• General training and coaching programs and sporting activities
• Hospital based education programs
• Family therapy support services

We all know how wonderfully multi-talented special education teachers are! So it is not surprising that they often end up working in situations other than just a straight school classroom environment! A teacher who is well prepared and already has some knowledge about a wide range of disabilities is well able to provide compassionate and well informed support to clients, patients, students and others with whom they work.