In general, the average IQ score for people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus is about 10% lower than the general population average.

Some people with SBH have an intellectual disability while others succeed in tertiary education. The range of achievement of individuals is very diverse.

Most children with SBH today attend mainstream school, however, most will have some learning difficulties, caused by the two partners of spina bifida - hydrocephalus and the Arnold Chiari malformation.

These difficulties might be in one or more of the following areas:
language, memory and learning, visuo-motor integration skills, planning and organisational skills. Educating the Student with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus explains this important area in detail.

It is vitally important that these 'hidden disabilities' are identified and evaluated in individuals, to allow effective intervention. Specific learning difficulties must be managed effectively to ensure learning does occur, and eventually employment success and independence are achieved.

Because people with paralysis will be less active than mobile people, there is a risk of obesity (being overweight), as well as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (heart disease) and osteoporosis (weak bones).

It is essential that people with SBH be encouraged from a very early age to develop regular exercise habits.

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