Many children in this stage are going to school, playing with friends, participating in sports, traveling with their families, and living full childhoods.
While life often feels wonderfully normal, Duchenne continues changing beneath the surface.
Standard of Care helps your healthcare team monitor those changes before they become problems. The goal isn't to wait until something goes wrong.
The goal is to stay one step ahead.
Regular appointments, routine testing, therapy evaluations, and preventive care all work together to protect strength, preserve function, and prepare for whatever comes next.
This page explains the major areas your healthcare team monitors and why each one matters.
The Map
Standard of Care — Walking & Active Stage
Click the map to enlarge for easier reading.
Understanding the Map
How to Use This Map
Every recommendation has a purpose
Standard of Care isn't a checklist of random appointments. Each recommendation exists because it helps protect a specific part of your child's health.
Your child may not need everything today
Some specialists, tests, and treatments become important later. This map shows the overall journey so you'll recognize them when they appear.
Your care team is working together
Neurology, cardiology, pulmonology, physical therapy, nutrition, orthopedics, psychology, and primary care each play an important role. Together they create one coordinated plan.
You don't have to remember everything
No parent memorizes Standard of Care overnight. DMD Pathways will walk through each part individually throughout this section of the website.
The goal isn't more appointments.
The goal is protecting childhood.
Every appointment, therapy visit, and routine test is designed to help your child stay healthier, stronger, safer, and more independent for as long as possible.
Continue Exploring
Detailed Standard of Care Sections
Explore each part of your child's care in more depth. You can come back to this map any time.
Cardiac Care
Protecting heart muscle through regular monitoring.
🫁Pulmonary Care
Supporting breathing, sleep, and lung health.
🧠Neuromuscular Care
Tracking strength, function, and disease progression.
🤸Physical & Occupational Therapy
Preserving movement, flexibility, and daily independence.
🦴Orthopedics & Bone Health
Protecting bones, posture, and joint health.
🥗Nutrition & Gastrointestinal Health
Supporting growth, energy, and digestion.
⚖️Endocrine Care
Monitoring growth, puberty, and steroid-related effects.
🧩Mental Health & Learning
Supporting emotional well-being and school success.
💊Medications & Emerging Therapies
Understanding current treatments and what's on the horizon.
📅Routine Monitoring
Well-child visits, vaccines, and ongoing preventive care.