Improved methods
Remember that a child with NTD is a child with the same needs and desires as any other child. The consequences of NTD are also very individual. In other words, everyone doesn't suffer all the consequences. During the 1950's and 1960's, only 10% of children with NTD survived their tenth birthday, but nowadays 90% do.
Improved shunt techniques and clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC) of the bladder are absolutely the most important reasons for this improvement. Better care during the newborn period, new surgical and treatment methods and development of better therapeutic aids have meant that people born with NTDs are given great opportunities to live long and good lives.