Supporting Children with Epilepsy in the Classroom: Strategies for Success
This resource provides essential guidance for parents and educators on advocating for children with epilepsy within the classroom. It covers psycho-social issues, the importance of communication between home and school, and available resources. With over three million Americans living with epilepsy, including 300,000 children under age 14, understanding seizure recognition, first aid, and educational accommodations is vital. Training for teachers and staff ensures they are equipped to support affected students, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages participation and social skill development.
Supporting Children with Epilepsy in the Classroom: Strategies for Success
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Presentation Transcript
Epilepsy And The Classroom Susanne Finn Epilepsy Society of Southern NY
Objectives • Advocating for your child in the classroom • Psycho-social issues • Communication between home and school • Resources available to you!
Children and Epilepsy • Over three million Americans of all ages are living with epilepsy • 200,000 new cases are diagnosed each year • 300,000 children under the age of 14 are currently affected by epilepsy
Available Resources: Trainings in seizure recognition and first aid are available for teachers and school staff • Epilepsy Society of Southern NY • Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group
During Teacher Trainings: Teachers are trained to: • To recognize a seizure • To provide the appropriate first aid • To recognize an emergency • To provide educational accommodations
Parent-School Communication • Description of expected seizure pattern • Consensus on response • Written communication if seizure pattern or frequency is not as described by parent • Documentation of observations
Parent-School Communication • School Protocol • Permission to share information with all school personnel in contact with your child • Trainings can be provided to bus drivers, teacher aides, support staff, etc.
Teacher Response • Make sure teacher is cognizant of anything related to learning or social issues • Tutoring arranged for remediation • Educate other students • Stop bullying
Behavior Management Make teachers aware of possible causes of behavior changes • Seizure activity at home • Medication side effects • Medication changes Provide discipline and guidance as with any student
Encourage Participation In All Activities • Helps develop social skills • Encourages independence • Heightens self-esteem Think through the risks and benefits of each activity for each child
Epilepsy Society of Southern NY Susanne Finn Community Educator sfinn@essny.com (845) 627-0627 ext.148