Although a lot of research is going on all around the world, we still do not know exactly why kids, or anyone for that matter, get demyelinating diseases. It is safe to say, however, that whatever causes a demyelinating disease is beyond anyone's control, so there is nothing anyone did to cause it to develop and there is nothing anyone can do to prevent it.
Studies have shown, however, that one's development of a demyelinating disease can be a result of where he or she lives, in addition to his or her genes. Therefore, a certain environmental factor can trigger a certain gene, resulting in one's development of a demyelinating disease. As a result, it is very difficult to pinpoint what exactly causes demyelinating diseases and we do not know exactly why kids get demyelinating diseases.
But rest assured, the future of demyelinating diseases is a bright one. Research is going on here at CPODD and the other Pediatric MS Centers for Excellence and other clinics all over the world, opening new insights on what causes demyelinating diseases and how best to treat them.