Evaluate the children physically and psychologically. Spina bifida may cause many physical conditions, such as incontinence, hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and orthopedic disorders that may disrupt a classroom and frighten other children. This can be unfortunate, since many children with spina bifida exhibit intelligence and a strong desire to learn.
Monitor the child's health. Academic performance can be affected by many symptoms of spina bifida, such as the severity of hydrocephalus, central nervous system infections and the general level of functioning of the spinal cord. Maintaining the physical health of a child with spina bifida will greatly enhance academic performance.
Give the child the aids and tools that will allow them to complete their work. Spina bifida can severely affect motor skills, and some students may require special computer keyboards or even an aide to transcribe assignments for them.
Ask a school to provide an individualized education program (IEP) for children with milder cases of spina bifida. This allows children with the disorder to socialize with unimpaired children, which may be a source of motivation. An aide will have to be assigned to monitor bladder and bowel control and possibly to manage the shunt that is used to drain fluid from the brain.
Address all additional concerns. These may include hyperactivity, depression, memory loss, poor organizational skills and even attention-deficit disorders. Frequent meetings with school psychiatrists, pediatricians and parents should address these common problems so that they do not interfere with the child's education.