Epilepsy and going to school: Can my child attend regular school after being diagnosed with epilepsy?
Most children with epilepsy should be able to attend regular schools and receive a good education without major issues, provided there is good communication between the family and the school.
Although many schools and universities are understanding and show acceptance, there are significant regional and national differences in terms of support. There are also problems when it comes to children’s inclusion and the lack of training among staff, which negatively impacts children’s education and their learning experiences.
In a survey by the charity Young Epilepsy, it was found that only 51% of school staff had been trained to assist a young person with epilepsy. It was also reported that 18% of young people with epilepsy were unable to participate in all school activities such as assemblies, sports, recreational activities, and trips.
The result can hinder both educational outcomes and social integration, warned a report from the World Health Organization’s Global Campaign Against Epilepsy. It stated: “Young people with epilepsy face real challenges in succeeding within the education system and with employment opportunities. The barriers that hold them back must be identified, in consultation with the medical profession, at an early stage.”
Experts agree that a good education for a child with epilepsy requires a combination of parental involvement and a positive approach from the school. Teachers must feel comfortable working with seizures, even long-lasting ones, and administering epilepsy medication, which they need training and education for.
Children with epilepsy are an educationally vulnerable group, and both education and healthcare professionals need to be aware of the extra support many of these children need throughout their education.
A report emphasized that epilepsy can negatively affect the student, the school, and the home by stating: ”There is a complex interaction between learning ability and epilepsy, which can result in an increased risk of children with epilepsy being misunderstood, excluded, and deprived of equal opportunities for learning and developing their full potential.”
Tips for parents
Communicate
The school needs to be informed about your child’s epilepsy, and it is advisable to contact the principal and keep in touch with the group or class teacher and other staff who work with the students’ well-being. Informing them about your child’s seizures and what support is needed, and answering their questions, is an important opportunity.
Understanding what is happening is important for teachers to feel comfortable managing a seizure and explaining it to classmates in a calm and well-informed way. This will also make it easier to be aware of and avoid things that might trigger seizures.
Keep them updated
Keep the school updated with detailed information about your child’s epilepsy and needs. This is especially important if the condition or treatment changes.
Make sure the school can easily contact you or your doctor if an emergency arises. If your doctor has prescribed medication for seizures, ensure the school staff receives proper training on how to administer it.
Involve your child
Make sure your child knows what events or conditions can trigger a seizure and ensure they are knowledgeable and feel comfortable talking to teachers and other children.
It is important to involve the children in the process so they know that teachers and staff are aware of epilepsy and what to do. The child’s age will determine how much information you can share and how much you can involve the child in meetings with the school, but children must be included so they do not feel decisions are being made without them or that there is shame attached to their condition.
Know your rights
Official support from government bodies and educational authorities is available, but the type and degree of help vary between schools, local areas, and nationalities. It is worth researching what support your family is entitled to, and regional patient groups can be helpful.
There are resources to support you and the school, but these may not be immediately obvious, so it is important to find out what rights you have as they are there to make the school experience as smooth as possible.
References:
- Young Epilepsy. Epilepsy Support in Schools. October 2017. Accessed January 2021. https://youngepilepsy.org.uk/images/Epilepsy_support_in_schools_report_-_Oct_17.pdf
- Cross JH. Epilepsy in the WHO European region: fostering epilepsy care in Europe. Epilepsia. 2011;52(1):187-188. doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2010.02903.x
- Marshall RM, Cupoli JM. Epilepsy and education: the pediatrician’s expanding role. Adv Pediatr. 1986;33:159-180.
