Apart from the relationship your child has within your family, their experiences at school are probably the most important to their future development. As a parent, you can help create a more accepting school environment for your child.

Take time to meet with your child’s teacher each year to discuss the way epilepsy affects your child, and what to do if a seizure occurs. If medication affects your child’s functional level, explain to the teacher that he or she may need extra time to do his work.

Teachers often worry that a child may get hurt during a seizure. If a teacher is very concerned about her ability to cope with seizures, a reassuring letter from your child’s doctor may be helpful.

When dealing with school administrators, always remember that you have the right to be involved in the design of your child’s education to ensure that his or her needs are met.

If your child’s seizures are very well controlled, you may consider not telling the school that your child has epilepsy. Most experts – and all teachers – agree that it is best to inform the school of your child’s seizure disorder. Not only does the disclosure prevent unnecessary fear in the classroom, but it also teaches your child that epilepsy is nothing to hide or be ashamed of.

The Epilepsy Centre can provide educational materials to help your child’s teacher understand epilepsy. For more information contact the Epilepsy Centre.