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| Epilepsy |  Children with epilepsy or seizure disorders are eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), formerly the Education of the Handicapped Act (Public Law 94-142). Epilepsy is identified as "other health impaired" and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) would be developed to specify appropriate services. Some children may have additional conditions such as learning disabilities along with the seizure disorders.
Seizures may interfere with the child's ability to learn. He or she may be missing parts of what the teacher is saying if the student has the type of seizure characterized by a brief period of fixed staring. It is essential that the teacher observe and document these episodes and report them promptly to parents and to school nurses.
Some children may need additional assistance to help them keep up with classmates, depending on the type of seizure or how often they occur. Assistance can include first aid instruction on seizure management to the children's teachers, adaptations in classroom instruction, and counseling, all of which should be written in the IEP.
It is significant that the teachers and school staff be informed about the child's condition, possible effects of medication, and what to do in case a seizure occurs at school. Most parents find that the best way to handle the situation is a friendly conversation with the teacher(s) at the beginning of the school year. It is still best to notify the school staff about the condition, even if a child has seizures that are largely controlled by medication.
The family and school personnel should work together to monitor the effectiveness of medication as well as any side effects. It is important to tell the doctor if a child's physical or intellectual skills seem to change. Brain changes may also cause hearing or perception problems. Written observations of both the family and school staff will be useful in discussions with the child's doctor.
Children with epilepsy must also deal with the psychological and social aspects of the condition. These contain public misperceptions and fear of seizures, uncertain occurrence, loss of self control during the seizure episode, and compliance with medications. The school can assist by providing epilepsy education programs for staff and students, including information on seizure recognition and first aid. It will help children feel more confident about themselves and accept their epilepsy.
Children can benefit the most when both the family and school are working together. There are plenty of materials available for families and teachers so that they can understand how to work most effectively as a team.
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