Another year has passed and soon it will be back to school again, or for some, just starting their education journey.
Back to school nerves are common for some children, and parents! There are ways to settle your child into a regular school routine that can help reduce their anxiety and improve support while they are at school.
Prepare your child
- Talk with your child about any worries they may have about going to school (and their epilepsy). They may have some anxiety about having a seizure in the classroom or during activities, excursions or with friends.
- Reassure them it is alright to have worries or have some struggles at school – this is normal and happens to everyone at some point.
- Get them into a routine before the first week
- It is important for all children to have a regular routine. Children with epilepsy need to understand this can be quite important for seizure control. They need regular bedtimes to make sure they are getting enough sleep, regular mealtimes and medication times, so not have to take medication at school.
- With your child’s permission, you can ask your child’s teacher to share information with the class about epilepsy in a way that is age-appropriate and reassuring to students. Encouraging acceptance and understanding in the classroom, while educating students about epilepsy, is key to providing an all-inclusive and supportive environment.
- Epilepsy Action (EAA) has two free courses for primary school aged children
- Click here to access these courses
Talk to the school
Having epilepsy can pose challenges for some, so, in relation to school, it’s time to think about supports and plans to be put in place for your child in the school environment.
Make an appointment with the relevant school staff to discuss:
- A learning plan. It’s easy to see the physical effects of epilepsy if someone falls down and has a seizure. But the effects on other areas of functioning – cognition, learning and behaviour – are often less easy to see and tend to be overlooked, ignored, or misunderstood. Epilepsy can be associated with such wide-ranging issues and challenges, some of them quite subtle, so it is critical that children with epilepsy have the appropriate supports, in order to develop to their full potential.
- It is worth meeting your child’s teacher before the new school year and have a discussion about learning strategies and supports.
- It might be useful for your child to have neuropsychological testing which can help guide strategies for learning. This is a comprehensive test of a wide range of mental functions including intellect, reading, language, attention, learning, processing speed, reasoning, memory and problem-solving.. A referral is needed for this service from a GP, paediatrician or neurologist.
- A seizure management plan. Every child with epilepsy should have a Seizure Management Plan in place. This plan outlines essential information for anyone who may need to assist your child if they have a seizure. It includes detailed information specific to your child including the seizure description, first aid, safety and supervision needs, medication instructions, seizure management and emergency contacts.
- Epilepsy Action have an online seizure management plan that you can do yourself and take to the school, or we can help you with developing one if that is your preference. Click here to see the options.
To support each student with epilepsy, teachers and school staff need to understand:
- The diverse symptoms of epilepsy
- The specific nature of each individual’s seizures and treatment – how to recognise and respond to a seizure, what may trigger a seizure and how to minimise risks and keep the child safe
- How epilepsy and its treatment can affect the child epilepsy cognitively, emotionally and socially
- Epilepsy training for school staff to be equipped about seizure safety and seizure first aid and any other aspects relevant to your child. If your child needs emergency seizure medication administered, there is training for this also.
- Epilepsy Action has training options for schools.
- See our information about Seizure Smart Schools
Talk to others
Most people don’t know much about epilepsy. They may act surprised but they are usually understanding and want to know a bit more.
Keep the information simple and conversation casual. Be prepared to answer questions.
- Sometimes people do not know how to react when they first learn that someone they know has epilepsy.
- Some people may want to ask further questions to get a better understanding of what epilepsy is and how it affects your child, and what they can do if a seizure happens.
- Other people may be worried about whether they can cope if your child was to have a seizure in their presence. In such instances, ask if they have any specific questions.
- Letting people know how they can help may ease their worry – but keep it simple (and not too detailed).
- Similarly, some people may try to change the topic because it makes them feel uncomfortable. In such instances, keep the conversation casual. Reassure them that your child is just like everyone else, except they occasionally have seizures.
People react differently but if you feel hurt, or disappointed about the way they react or respond, just be upfront and tell them how you feel. It might take some pressure off them as well.
It is up to you and your child who you tell about their epilepsy. Certainly, if seizures are not controlled then it is wise to tell people who may be with your child at times seizures may occur.
It is also important to consider that if their epilepsy is considered a secret your child may form the impression that it is something to be ashamed of. This may have consequences on their self-esteem.
Talking openly about your child’s epilepsy can be daunting but it can also be very positive. It is also important to consider that if their epilepsy is considered a secret, your child may form the impression that it is something to be ashamed of, which may have consequences on their self-esteem.
- People tend to respond to how comfortable you are.
- Some people may want to ask further questions to get a better understanding of what epilepsy is and how it affects your child, and what they can do if a seizure happens.
- Keep the conversation casual but be prepared to answer questions.
- Epilepsy Action has many factsheets to help people better understand epilepsy and seizures.
Sometimes seeing a simple first aid poster can help.
There are animated first aid videos on this page – First Aid for Seizures.
