Which principle best describes the OT role across the lifespan in muscular dystrophy?

• A. Limit participation to pediatric care
• B. Support participation across lifespan
• C. Delay interventions until late stages
• D. Prioritize cosmetic devices

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that occupational therapy aims to keep people with muscular dystrophy participating in the activities that matter to them throughout life. Muscular dystrophy is progressive, so what a person needs and can do will change over time. An OT’s job is to support and adapt participation from childhood through adulthood, not just at one life stage. This means helping the person stay involved in school, work, home life, hobbies, and community activities by aligning goals with current abilities and adjusting those goals as the disease progresses.

Practically, this involves more than just treatment in a single phase. It includes analyzing daily tasks to find feasible ways to perform them, suggesting and teaching assistive devices and seating systems, arranging energy-conserving strategies, modifying environments (home, school, workplace), and planning for upcoming transitions (like moving from school to work). The focus is on independence, safety, and meaningful engagement, with care coordinated across the lifespan.

Limiting care to pediatric years ignores later-life needs; waiting to intervene until late stages misses chances to preserve function and participation earlier; and choosing devices based on appearance rather than function undermines independence.