What is required to permit advanced activities of daily living in adolescence with spina bifida?

What is required to permit advanced activities of daily living in adolescence with spina bifida?

• A. Independence with mobility and balance skills
• B. Eliminate all mobility aids
• C. Avoid any physical activity
• D. Constant caregiver assistance

Answer: (A)

Independence in advanced activities of daily living during adolescence with spina bifida depends on having reliable mobility and balance to perform tasks on one’s own, with the help of appropriate assistive devices when needed. This means being able to move safely, transfer between positions, and navigate daily environments (like getting dressed, grooming, navigating stairs or uneven surfaces, and moving around school) with as much autonomy as possible. Achieving this level of independence often involves developing strength, coordination, and safe use of mobility aids such as braces, crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair, along with strategies to manage balance and safety.

The other options don’t fit because removing all mobility aids isn’t realistic for many individuals with spina bifida and would limit independence rather than enable it. Avoiding physical activity can undermine health and functional ability over time, making independence harder to achieve. Relying on constant caregiver assistance prevents the person from developing the skills and confidence needed to perform ADLs autonomously.