Students with CMT.

CMT & ME - Going to School.

CMT - It's a funny name!

Charcot and Marie were the two French doctors and Tooth was an English doctor who simultaneously discovered the syndrome in 1886. It is named after them.

What is CMT?

CMT is a peripheral neuropathy, that is, it affects the nerve supply to the body's extremities, such as arms and hands, legs and feet.
CMT is genetic, so it is usually inherited.
CMT, therefore is not contagious.
CMT has slightly different effects for different people. That is why it is so often misdiagnosed. Even between family members who have it, some have more profound symptoms which can occur earlier or later than others and some are only mildly affected.

How does CMT affect me?

CMT often affects my coordination and balance because of loss of foot and leg muscle.
CMT sometimes affects fine motor skills such as holding pens and doing up buttons.
CMT makes me feel tired more quickly.
Sometimes I may need to wear orthotics (special things) in my shoes.
I may have to go to a physiotherapist often.

I also need to do daily stretching exercises so that my feet do not develop a high arch and/or become deformed.

What I need from you - the school staff.

Please assist me to be enrolled as a person with a disability to enable me to receive the support and resources I require during my school years.
I need your patience and understanding.
I don't want to be ridiculed or made fun of by the other children because I may not be able to run and jump very well.
Like any other child I do not like to be bullied. CMT does not make me a cripple! I want to be like every other child.

Where to get more information.

The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association of Australia Inc. is run by volunteers who have CMT or a family member with it. There are contact phone numbers listed on this page where you can contact the nearest Co-ordinator to talk over any problems and seek information.

Thank you for your interest in reading about my particular health problem. I know I will enjoy my learning experience at this school - with your help and understanding.