These issues will include an individual's developing sense of identity, recreational potential, ability to fit into a meaningful role in society, future goals and potential to achieve them, desire for relationships of intimacy, partnerships, and affiliations, and feeling that their life has meaning within the larger order of society. Current research suggests that, even with increasing social disability awareness, many individuals with neuromuscular diseases may still be experiencing difficulties successfully fulfilling these stages and age-specific needs. This seems to be particularly true in the field of employment. The development of guidelines for educators and rehabilitation counselors may help relieve some of this inequity as well as give patients themselves a more reasonable idea of employment options. Hereditary aspects of neuromuscular disease can also play a role in a family's well being.
Genetic counseling can help determine the probability of producing an affected offspring.
However, the parent's decision whether to bear a child or not always carries with it a threat. Many parents have expressed continued feeling of guilt and remorse over producing children who are now manifesting the disease symptoms. It seems likely that not only would the actual disease be passed from caretaker to child but also these unresolved feelings unless they are effectively addressed. The numerous complications which arise from actual physical disease are difficult enough in themselves. Parents should not have to endure ongoing self-imposed punishment nor accept ineffective parenting techniques due to their guilt.