School Accommodations for Absence Epilepsy?

Hi there my name is Katie and I've got absence epilepsy. I wasn't diagnosed until I was in High School so things were opposite for me than they are your son. I am a very high functioning epileptic, so everyone always thought I just had a hard time focusing. My best advice to you would be up front with teachers and counselors. In my senior year of school my Mom and I went in a couple days early and spoke personally to all the teachers, told them what to expect and how I might act. I used to take a few minutes to myself if needed, I took tests separately if needed. And always had someone to come to. I don't know where you live, but I know that having a good neuro is a HUGE support. I've been to 3 and now that I have found this last one, I wouldn't change for the world. Good Luck to you both! Katie

Hi there! I'm in your shoes as well. My daughter was diagnosed with Absence Epilepsy a year ago this month (she is 6 now) and has blown thru a ton of medications. We started on these and they are in order: Zarontin, (generic Ethosuxamide), Lamictal, Depakote, Clonezapam (rescue med) then Zonisamide and last week we just switched to the brand name of it Zonegran. Phew those are a mouthful! Anyhow, funny I found your post because I just received a Section 504 for my daughter as well from her teacher on Friday. Actually filled it out tonight before I hopped online! I called several of my friends who are teachers today and it sounds like it's a very smart idea. There is not a negative cogitation to them and I think it will be the best thing we can do for our children in this situation. I haven't had my evaluation with the administrators yet but it sounds like she will receive extra help in classroom, receive extra time on tests, etc. I figure any additional assistance would be better than none. Right now we are struggling with her withdrawling from activities and not wanting to even go to school. She is very aware of her seizures and very self conscious about them. She has an awful itching (without rash) right now on her scalp and back. She also does not want to eat and all of this due to the medicine. We had two blood tests last week for elevated liver enzymes and histamine but they both came back negative. She complains of a tummy ache about once a week and takes Zonegran 100mg 2xday. Really hoping we find the right meds soon. Sounds like you may need to change doctors...he should provide you with any information you need for the school. I just filled out over 9 pages of paperwork including her 504 paperwork. I didn't specify what her symptoms were caused by but better yet listed ALL her symptoms and what medication she was taking. I'll let them sort that out... I'm not sure if all my rambling helped in any way but feel free to email me anytime! Best of luck to you and your son!! Tlo

I am going to have the first appointment next week, my daughter is 9 and she's had them since Kinder. I never felt like we needed one until last year, third grade was rough but not academically she got bullied and the school did not take it seriously taking her anxiety level so high that the 6 to 12 absences that she usually has for 2 to 8 seconds each doubled. Needless to say that her grades suffered, but I have always worked with her a lot as she misses information during the day and you never know where.  I will ask for smart board print outs, a set of books for the home, separate testing space and extended testing time, if you guys know of anything else to ask please do comment. Thank you ad good luck to you all.