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ASBAH - Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus
ASBAH, a registered charity, provide services to people with spina bifida
and/or hydrocephalus, and their carers. They provide advice and support to
individuals and families in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The service is
backed up by specialist advisers in education, continence, mobility and medical
matters.
Spina bifida occurs very early in pregnancy. It is a
fault in the development of the spine, when one or more vertebrae fail to close
properly, leaving a gap. This means the vitally important spinal cord and
nerves are likely to be damaged, often resulting in paralysis below the level
of the fault. Walking may be difficult or impossible. There may also be
incontinence. Late in life, the spine may curve or twist.
Hydrocephalus is excessive pressure of cerebro-spinal fluid which
results in the swelling of the cavities in the brain. An obvious outward sign
in babies can be accelerated growth of the head. Excess pressure caused by this
blockage can be relieved in order to minimise damage. This is usually done by
the insertion of a valve (shunt) which drains the excess fluid into the
abdominal or heart cavities. Most people born with spina bifida also have
hydrocephalus but it also occurs independently at birth, and later in life.
Modern advances mean many babies survive to adulthood.
ASBAH offers
advice and help for children at school and to young people going on to further
education and training.
There are specific and, in the case of
hydrocephalus, often hidden difficulties with learning and memory, spatial and
perceptual problems and poor concentration. These can hinder progress if
teachers, employers and colleagues are unaware of them. ASBAH has a video,
available to buy or for hire, which focuses on strategies which can be used to
improve hand-writing and number work at school.
ASBAH explains the
problems and arranges visits to schools and colleges to discuss difficulties.
We assist with the integration of pupils with special needs into mainstream
schools.
They also give help with assessment and training; with
services to the young people; with finance; with research.
They
publish a newsletter six times a year.
For more information contact: ASBAH . Web site: www.asbah.org