What Are Co-Occurring Conditions?
Some people with conditions like Spina Bifida, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), or Dyspraxia may also have other health problems at the same time. These are called co-occurring conditions.
1. Bladder and Bowel Issues
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What happens? Trouble controlling pee or poo (incontinence).
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Why? Nerve damage, limited movement, or medicines.
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How to help:
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Continence services
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Pelvic floor exercises
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Special equipment or medicines
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2. Fatigue (Always Feeling Tired)
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What happens? Feeling very tired even after resting.
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Why? Extra effort to move, nerve problems, or medicine side effects.
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How to help:
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Take rest breaks and naps
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Pace activities
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Use fatigue management strategies
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3. Injury Risk
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What happens? More chance of falls or accidents.
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Why? Weak muscles, poor balance, or reduced coordination.
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How to help:
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Physiotherapy
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Assistive equipment
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Safe home and school environments
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4. Mental Health Challenges
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What happens? Anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.
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Why? Pain, social stigma, or long-term illness.
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How to help:
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Counseling
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Peer support groups
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Inclusive education
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5. Obesity
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What happens? Gaining extra weight.
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Why? Less exercise, medicine side effects, or comfort eating.
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How to help:
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Healthy eating plans
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Gentle exercise programs
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Health coaching
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6. Chronic Pain
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What happens? Ongoing joint, muscle, or nerve pain.
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Why? Physical strain or nerve damage.
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How to help:
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Pain management plans
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Physiotherapy
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Medicines
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7. Asthma & Breathing Problems
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What happens? Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath.
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Why? Weak breathing muscles or coexisting asthma.
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How to help:
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Inhalers
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Breathing exercises
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Regular checkups
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8. Heart Disease
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What happens? Higher risk of heart problems.
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Why? Inactivity, obesity, and stress.
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How to help:
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Healthy eating
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Supervised exercise
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Regular health checks
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💡 Tips for Support
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Work as a team: doctors, therapists, nurses, and teachers.
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Spot problems early to prevent complications.
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Give emotional support and understanding.
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Make schools and social life friendly and accessible.
Quiz: Co-Occurring Conditions in People with Disabilities
Q1: What is another word for trouble controlling pee or poo?
A1: Incontinence
Q2: Name one reason people with Dyspraxia might feel tired all the time.
A2: Extra effort needed for movement
Q3: How can injury risk be reduced? (Name one way)
A3: Physiotherapy, assistive equipment, or safe environments
Q4: Give one way to help mental health challenges.
A4: Counseling, peer support, or inclusive education
Q5: Why might some people with physical disabilities gain weight?
A5: Less physical activity, medicine side effects, or comfort eating
Q6: Name one way to help chronic pain.
A6: Pain management plan, physiotherapy, or medication
Q7: What can help with asthma or breathing problems?
A7: Inhalers, breathing exercises, or regular monitoring
Q8: Name one way to reduce heart disease risk.
A8: Healthy eating, supervised exercise, or regular checkups
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