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School Accommodations for Absence Epilepsy?
Sun, 10/16/2011 - 02:05My 8 year old son was diagnosed with Absence Epilepsy two months ago, and while we've seen a reduction in the number of epsiodes with Zarontin (ethouximide), the seizures continue. We've had a terrible time getting any help from our neurologist - we have an appointment with a new doctor next week and are hoping for a better response...
In the meantime, my son - who has always been a great student (excellent grades, good behavior, participates in the gifted program) - is now starting to struggle in school. His teacher is asking for a 504 plan to make accommodations for him, and I need some help in determining what types of accommodations we should be asking for.
Does anyone have any advice as to what accommodations should be made for a child with Absence Epilepsy?
He's having focus issues, poor memory recall, generalized "foggy" days, and of course, missed information and blank holes in tests due to seizures.
Due to a lack of information from the neurologist, I have nothing to really share with the school regarding how the epilepsy affects his schoolwork and why. Are the "foggy" days due to the medicine, disruptions in his sleep, or just from multiple seizures?
I've learned a few things on my own - behavioral things, like not approaching him when he's having a seizure. From his point of view, I was 20 feet across the room, then when he came out of it, I was just 6 inches away - I'll never forget the look on his face that day!
Any other tidbits of information you can share that would help us make life easier for him while we try to find the right medication?
Thanks for your advice!
Re: School Accommodations for Absence Epilepsy?
Submitted by ASUgrl2784 on Tue, 2011-11-01 - 01:27
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