Middle School – High SchoolĪs children get older, it is important to continue advocating for their needs as they move through different school settings. Discuss how attention or memory difficulties may also affect your child.įor additional resources, you can view the Epilepsy Foundation’s age-appropriate resources to help you in addressing your child’s concerns. Talk about issues that may happen during the school day related to seizure activity, medication side effects, or anxiety about having a seizure. Share with your child’s teacher how epilepsy may affect their learning and behavior. This plan also helps to prevent discrimination and protect your child’s rights. Schools create 504 plans to give children with disabilities the support they need for any condition that limits daily activities in a major way. Some children are entitled to accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If your child has an individualized education plan (IEP) for epilepsy, make time to review and ensure appropriate resources are in place. Connecting with them early is important to address any specific concerns. Set aside time to meet with a school behavior counselor, physical, speech, or occupational therapist, if your child will need regular visits. If your child may need seizure rescue therapies, connect with the school nurse or classroom teacher on when and how their rescue therapy should be taken. This is also a good time to suggest to school staff to become Seizure First Aid certified. Use this time to share key information about your child’s seizures, including time to review a detailed seizure action plan. Schedule a parent meeting with the teacher, school nurse, bus driver, and any additional support staff at the beginning of the school year. Schedule Parent MeetingsĬonnect with your child’s school about potential needs in the classroom. Encouraging acceptance and understanding in the classroom, while educating students about epilepsy, is key to providing a supportive environment. You can also ask your child’s teacher to share information with the class about epilepsy in a way that is age-appropriate and reassuring to students. Helping your child understand there are others who face and overcome similar challenges can make them feel less alone. This can be difficult if they happen in the classroom or during activities with friends. Others feel embarrassed about having seizures. Everyone deals with seizures differently. You might be surprised by the questions they ask you or the feelings they share. Talk with your child about any concerns they have about seizures at school. Remember to consult your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your child’s anti-seizure medication (ASM) schedule. This may help your child better transition into their time at school. Prepare your child for school by adjusting routines, such as bedtimes, mealtimes, and even medication schedules. There are ways to ease your child back into a regular school routine that can help keep them calm and find support while away from home. Kindergarten – Elementary Schoolīack to school nerves are common for young children, especially for children living with epilepsy. Whether you are going away to college, or your child is starting their first day of kindergarten, we have a handy list of tips to help make going back to school a success. So, thinking about accommodations that you or your child may need in the classroom is key. Living with epilepsy while going to school can pose many challenges. As we wave goodbye to vacations and sunny weather, it’s time to welcome the new school year.
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