Price Transparency

Call (844) 424-4537

Living with epilepsy: Back to school

At school

Most children with epilepsy attend school and can participate in all activities. Some may need to take medicine at school, require help with certain subjects or be given extra time on tests. They may have seizures at school sometimes. With more than 300,000 school-age children who have epilepsy in the United States, none of this is that unusual. Yet there's a good chance many of your child's teachers and classmates won't know much about epilepsy. Educating them is one of the most important things you can do to help your child at school.

Teach your school about epilepsy and seizures

Start each school year by scheduling a meeting with your child's teacher.

  • Discuss your child's condition and any learning issues.

  • Review your child's seizure action plan so the teacher knows what to do if your child has a seizure.

  • Ask if there are others at the school you should talk to or give information to, such as gym teachers, school nurses, the librarian, etc.

  • Keep in touch with them through the school year about your child's progress, changes in medication and any related issues.

Ask your teacher to discuss epilepsy with the class in a way that is appropriate for the age level and that would be comfortable for your child.

  • Having a seizure at school can be embarrassing for a child and frightening for others. It's better if the teacher discusses it with students beforehand.

  • Talking to students about epilepsy can help prevent teasing and correct some of the false information children may have heard.

  • Offer to provide books and other materials the teacher can use.

Make sure all adults who supervise your child during the school day know what to do if your child has a seizure. Don't forget about school bus drivers, lunchroom supervisors, student teachers, etc. Ask officials to post “seizure management” first aid tips in visible locations around the school.

Learning issues

While most children with epilepsy test in the “average” IQ range, they are more likely than others to have learning problems that affect how well they do in school. This could be due to a number of reasons, including:

  • Side effects from medication that make a child tired or drowsy.

  • Frequently missing school for medical appointments.

  • Regularly “blanking out” due to absence seizures, which sometimes are not recognized or diagnosed for a long time.

  • Worry or anxiety about having a seizure.

  • Attention disorders.

  • Problems with memory and learning in the part of the brain where the seizure occurs.

If you are aware of these potential problems, you can work with teachers on possible solutions. Ask the teacher to let you know if your child seems unusually tired, to send home homework your child missed and to keep you informed on how your child is doing.

Support

Most teachers and schools want to help children with special needs. They want to make sure they understand how epilepsy affects a child and what to do if a child has a seizure. Try to work with them as partners. Show appreciation for their work, give them information that could help them understand your child's needs and encourage your child to complete assignments.

If epilepsy affects your child's ability to learn, you are probably entitled to special education services. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that says every child with a disability is entitled to a free, appropriate education in the least restrictive (most “normal”) setting possible.

All students who receive special education services must receive an IEP. This is a written plan that outlines a student's needs and goals for the school year.

Unfortunately, you will sometimes run into roadblocks in trying to arrange educational services for your child. Schools may be short-staffed, not want to give your child needed medication or refuse to modify school policies on grades, tests, etc., for your child. They might feel it is too much of a risk to allow your child to participate in a trip or activity. Even if you have the right to such things by law, you might need to “advocate” or push for them. Our Legal Rights of Children with Epilepsy in School and Child Care: An Advocate's Manual can help you do that.

School materials

For an overview of issues children might face and regulations that can protect them as well as information to help you advocate for your child, you can visit the School and Child Carelink icon section of the Epilepsy Foundation Website and look for these documents:

Resources for teachers and others at school including:

For information on 504 plans and special education resources, please visit Children’s Health℠ School Services for resources including:

Adapted from original article by the Epilepsy Foundationlink icon.