One of the best ways to help your child at school is to treat her seizure disorder like any one of a number of other conditions that children have. Here are some specific strategies for helping a child with epilepsy succeed in the classroom.
Be proactive. At the beginning of the school year, make an appointment to talk to your child’s teacher, the office staff, and the school nurse. Treat your child’s epilepsy matter-of-factly, making sure that teachers and staff understand that it’s just a condition your child happens to have—it doesn’t define who he is or what he’s capable of.
Epilepsy isn’t all that uncommon, so there’s a good chance that teachers and school staff have already had some first-hand experience. However, you shouldn’t assume this is the case.
Teachers and staff who have little experience with epilepsy may believe that children with epilepsy are mentally retarded or developmentally delayed. A little education can go a long way. Correct any misconceptions or stereotypes as you talk with your child’s teacher about what he knows about epilepsy. The more you know about epilepsy and share with teachers and staff, the more you help your child have a learning experience that focuses on him—and not his seizure disorder.
However, make sure to explain what to look for and how to react if your child has a seizure during the school day. A teacher who’s prepared can respond calmly, helping the child onto her side and then letting her walk to the office to rest when the seizure’s over. Your child can return to the classroom when she’s ready, instead of being sent home or, worse, being sent to the hospital in an ambulance.
Children with epilepsy are more likely to have learning disorders. But statistics don’t predict the future: your child may eventually be at the top of her class. Communicate frequently with your child’s teacher and step in early if it he has any concerns about how your child is doing in the classroom. Neither of you should assume that learning issues are par for the course for your child simply because she has epilepsy.
Early intervention is key to helping your child succeed in the long run. Talk with your child’s doctor about possible causes of learning problems. Sometimes, they’re related to undetected seizure activity or to anticonvulsant medications. Other times, learning disabilities are completely unrelated to epilepsy. A thorough evaluation can help identify the probable cause of any learning issue—and strategies for success.
Finally, be aware of the possibility that your child may experience depression. It’s a frequent problem among young adults with epilepsy, and probably goes unrecognized in children. If your child lacks energy, is doing poorly in school, and/or has a limited attention span, check with your doctor.
