Understanding muscular dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition where muscles weaken and break down over time. It can make you feel weak, stiff or sore, and make it hard to move, walk, talk or breathe.

There are more than 30 types with different symptoms. Many people learn they have muscular dystrophy as a child, but some types are only diagnosed in adults.

Some medicines and gene therapies help to slow the progression of muscular dystrophy, but there are other treatments that can help as well.

Find services and support

Find services and support for you, your family or the person you’re caring for.

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland

We offer advice, support and resources for people with muscular dystrophy and similar neuromuscular conditions, and their families. We can help you manage and better understand your condition.

Our services

  • Information and referral services
  • Allied health services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and social work
  • NDIS support coordination and plan management
  • Advice and support groups
  • Equipment loans
  • Advocacy

Muscular Dystrophy Australia

We offer a range of services to support people who live with neuromuscular conditions and their families. We help people manage and better understand their condition so they can live productive and purposeful lives.

Our services

  • Programs for children and young people
  • Programs and resources for families and carers
  • Telephone support, referrals and online resources
  • Access to clinical trials
  • Facilitate and fund research
  • Healthcare advocacy

Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation

We support young people and their families who are affected by Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. Our aim is to improve their quality of life through public awareness, education, advocacy and support.

Our services

  • Clinical research and healthcare advocacy
  • Save Our Sons Nurses Program
  • The Australian Neuromuscular Disease Registry (ANMDR)
  • Mental health support
  • A range of resources, including a digital toolkit to support independent living
  • Community events

Your guide to government support in Australia

Learn more about government programs and how they support all Australians with disability, and their families and carers.

  • Applying for NDIS support

    Learn how to get NDIS support and connect to services in your community.

  • Disability Gateway

    The Disability Gateway helps all people with disability, their families and carers find and access services across Australia.

  • Carer Gateway

    The Carer Gateway offers a range of free services and support for carers.

Add a condition or service

Let us know if there’s a condition or organisation you think should be added to the gateway.

Last updated: 11 November 2025