@harrisonandduchenne: Sometimes the signs are there long before the diagnosis. You just don’t know what you’re looking at yet. Early signs of Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be subtle. Easy to explain away. Easy to miss. Especially if it’s your first child or you’re told “boys are just slower.” Here are some of the early things families often notice: • Delayed walking (often after 18 months) • Struggling to run, jump or keep up with peers • Frequent falls • Difficulty climbing stairs • Using hands to “climb up” their own legs to stand (Gowers’ sign) • Enlarged calves • Toe walking • Speech delays • Fatigue that seems more than “normal toddler tired” Sometimes it’s not dramatic. It’s just a feeling. A quiet niggle in your gut that something isn’t quite right. For many families, the pathway to diagnosis starts with a simple blood test showing very high creatine kinase (CK) levels. From there, genetic testing confirms it. Early diagnosis matters. It opens doors to care, monitoring, therapies, clinical trials and planning. It gives families information — even if it’s information no one ever wanted to receive. If you’re a parent with that quiet worry in your chest. Trust it. Ask questions. Push for answers. You are not overreacting for wanting clarity. And if you’re someone reading this with no connection to Duchenne, share it. Awareness shortens the road to diagnosis. Share this with someone who might benefit.

Harrison & Duchenne

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Region: AU

Sunday 22 March 2026 14:14:19 GMT