Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease characterized by degeneration of spinal cord motor neurons, atrophy of skeletal muscles, and generalized weakness. Affecting approximately 1 in 6,000-10,000 live births, SMA is the leading genetic cause of death in infants and toddlers. The condition ranges in severity across types: Type I (the most severe) affects infants who cannot sit unassisted and may be unable to eat or breathe independently; Types II-IV have progressively later onset and milder symptoms. Individuals with SMA are often cognitively intact, creating a significant gap between intellectual capability and physical independence that makes assistive technology particularly important. Input devices for people with SMA must be extremely sensitive due to minimal muscle strength, and solutions often require individual calibration and custom fabrication.