Given the effects of Duchenne on the body, the terms independence and Duchenne seem almost exclusionary. In fact, many individuals with Duchenne never get a driver’s license, never move away from home, never go to college, and never get married.
But a comprehensive definition of independence goes far beyond just the physical. It involves social-emotional independence and cognitive independence, too – both of which are arguably more important than physical independence.
Whatever aspects of independence your family values most, please know that it’s never too early to start planting seeds of independence and it’s also never too late. The self-esteem that comes from experiencing the self-determination and the self-efficacy of independence is priceless. Absolutely priceless.
Learn ways to support independence here:
