Epilepsy in the Classroom
Accommodations, Strategies, and Interventions for Epileptic Students
Nov 11, 2009
Epilepsy in children can be very difficult to manage, especially in a classroom setting. Kids who suffer from the symptoms of epilepsy (and its many prescribed medications) such as frequent seizures, memory problems, attention deficits, and fatigue will have trouble learning and may experience behavioral and emotional problems.
Due to the potential issues with behavior as well as the many learning challenges, it is very difficult for epileptic children to perform well at school and maintain long-lasting friendships with their classmates. Teachers may be able to intervene effectively by using these suggested strategies and accommodations when they have a child with epilepsy in the classroom.
Understanding Epilepsy
The first step in helping a student with epilepsy in the classroom is to learn about the brain disorder. Teachers should gather as much information about epilepsy as possible, understand the types of seizures that can happen in the classroom, as well as the ways in which the disorder and its medications can affect a student’s ability to learn and socialize. See Epilepsy and Learning for more information.
Develop a Plan for Dealing with Seizures, Behavior Problems
A team should be assembled that includes the student, parents, teacher, and school nurse, and optionally a guidance councilor. This group will need to develop a plan for dealing with any seizures that may occur in the classroom. The plan will need to be modified whenever medications are introduced or when the dosage of a prescribed medication changes.
The plan should also include a contact person for times of crisis and violent rages that could occur with epilepsy as well. Teach the student to communicate when she feels a seizure is imminent. Sometimes epileptic children can tell when a seizure is coming because of a sensation called an “aura”. The plan should minimally include the following:
- A place within the classroom for student to go in order to lie down when a seizure is coming
- Prescribed medication and times when student needs to take it, and what to do if medicine is skipped or accidentally doubled
- Contact name or number of school councilor, nurse, or parent for help
- A place outside the classroom the student can go if violent outbursts, rages happen
- Classmate helpers, who will remove dangerous jewelry, eyewear, clear away furniture, supply a pillow, turn student to help with breathing, etc.
Learning Accommodations for Epilepsy in the Classroom
Epileptic children will also have daily learning challenges. Memory issues and lack of organization can hinder the child’s ability to learn. Help by providing mnemonic devices, color-coded notebooks to help the child organize work, and repetitive lesson strategies throughout a unit. For more information on how to help a student with memory issues, see Effective Memory Strategies for Special Needs.
Adjust Classroom Work Requirements
Being flexible with homework and schoolwork in the classroom is another way for teachers to accommodate a student with epilepsy. Kids with epilepsy will experience good days and bad. When a child’s energy is low and he seems particularly fatigued, provide him with a workload that is lighter and more achievable. On good days, allow the epileptic child to shine by giving him more challenging assignments.
A student with epilepsy will experience many challenges that will affect the ability to learn, socialize, and excel in the regular classroom. Seizures and antiepileptic drugs will exacerbate the troubles for these children. Teachers will need to learn about epilepsy, prepare a plan for dealing with seizures, and adjust lessons accordingly to help the child with epilepsy in the classroom.
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