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School and Epilepsy
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 18:10Topic: Teen Zone
So, I'm 17 and in the 11th grade. I was diagnosed last semester but never told my teachers or anything. I ended up failing 3 classes last semester because I just cannot stay awake or remember the material. It seems like because I have less than 3 months left it would be pointless to tell them now because I'm already failing 4 classes. My guidance counselors like to tell me I'm lazy and need to actually try but I really do. With no chance of passing this year, is it even worth telling them? It feels like I'd be pulling the pity card. Your thoughts?
Comments
Re: School and Epilepsy
Submitted by Chromata on Mon, 2011-04-04 - 23:13
Definitely tell them; it wouldn't be pulling the pity card and it might end up really helping you. The 504 is a great idea too; I'm on one, albeit for other reasons (I also have a mood disorder, an anxiety disorder, difficulties with writing by hand, severe organizational problems, and an IQ of at least 140, none of which my tiny school is equipped to deal with) and it's only been helpful for me. For example, I don't have to do very much handwriting at this point, with the exception of one of my math courses. This makes things a lot easier for me. A 504 would probably be very helpful for you too; when your teachers understand that you're not lazy but just plain drained they'll be able to help you a lot more.
I hope things go well for you.
Re: School and Epilepsy
Submitted by pgd on Tue, 2011-04-05 - 04:03
http://my.epilepsy.com/discussion/993912
Re: School and Epilepsy
Submitted by seakats on Tue, 2011-03-15 - 01:47
YES!!! Tell them. If anything, it will be on record. You might want to investigate what is called a 504 plan. This is a website telling about it: http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/legal-rights/section-504.gs?content=868 As those w/epilepsy, we are included in the Americans with Disability Act. W/the 504, it's not because you have anything wrong intelligence-wise. Rather, it takes your disability(epilepsy) into account and arranges things like taking tests from notes, extending time on tests, etc. There are a LOT of different ways the 504 can help. It does NOT mean special education (although there's not anything wrong with that!). It means you have more tools to help you succeed. If your parent(s) are involved, they can fight for this. Remembler, the best advocate you can have is yourself.
When I was on depakote, as a teacher, I thought I'd go insane. Someone could tell me something and in a half hour I would have forgotten it and constantly fell asleep (not good for a sp. ed teacher). I was fired for these problems because they told me I was incompetent. So I know what you mean. We've all been through what you're having to deal with.
If nothing else, have your neuro communicate w/the school. You should have the same rights as any other student, including the right to succeed. I hope this helps....just remember, we've been through it, are going through it and you are not alone.
PS NO guidance counselor should be telling you you are "just lazy." Report this to a higher authority if nothing else.
YES!!! Tell them. If anything, it will be on record. You might want to investigate what is called a 504 plan. This is a website telling about it: http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/legal-rights/section-504.gs?content=868 As those w/epilepsy, we are included in the Americans with Disability Act. W/the 504, it's not because you have anything wrong intelligence-wise. Rather, it takes your disability(epilepsy) into account and arranges things like taking tests from notes, extending time on tests, etc. There are a LOT of different ways the 504 can help. It does NOT mean special education (although there's not anything wrong with that!). It means you have more tools to help you succeed. If your parent(s) are involved, they can fight for this. Remembler, the best advocate you can have is yourself.
When I was on depakote, as a teacher, I thought I'd go insane. Someone could tell me something and in a half hour I would have forgotten it and constantly fell asleep (not good for a sp. ed teacher). I was fired for these problems because they told me I was incompetent. So I know what you mean. We've all been through what you're having to deal with.
If nothing else, have your neuro communicate w/the school. You should have the same rights as any other student, including the right to succeed. I hope this helps....just remember, we've been through it, are going through it and you are not alone.
PS NO guidance counselor should be telling you you are "just lazy." Report this to a higher authority if nothing else.