# Signs and Symptoms
Keywords: spinal muscular atrophy, SMA, genetic neuromuscular disease, muscle weakness, developmental milestones, motor delays

> This page provides an overview of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic neuromuscular disease. It discusses its symptoms, impact on infants and children, developmental milestones, and variations in severity and types.

## Details
- [Spinal muscular atrophy in infants & children](#): SMA is a rare genetic neuromuscular disease causing progressive muscle weakness, affecting activities like crawling, walking, and breathing.
- [SMA affects every child differently](#): Symptoms include muscle weakness, floppiness, and atrophy, varying by age of onset and severity.
- [Missing certain milestones may be the first sign of SMA](#): Parents may notice delays in physical milestones like sitting, rolling over, or swallowing.
- [Motor milestone guidelines](#): WHO guidelines outline criteria for milestones such as sitting, crawling, and walking.
- [Characteristics of SMA in infants and children](#): Includes poor head control, weak cry, muscle weakness, and breathing difficulties.
- [Parents’ observations](#): Parents' reports of motor delays are reliable and can guide care strategies.