My son is entering year 11 - GCSE year. He was diagnosed with epilepsy last August however during this time his epilepsy has been in no way under control. My son we have found out in the last 2 weeks has been having 10 - 15 peti mals (small fits) during the day. This seems to have been something that has happened regulary during the last year and been increasing without it being recognised as a fit from myself and others but had been thought to be day dreaming. My son's grades have seriously been affected by his disability as he is missing so much work in the classroom due to these seizures. Due to hormones it has been difficult to find medication that compliments my son. I have tried to contact the LEA though no joy they don't return my calls. I need to know what rights my son has and whether they will provide extra support for him. Please don't anyone give me an obnoxious reply or a reply that can be disrespectful. My family and I are already suffering enough.
2006-09-05 09:52:54 · 7 answers · asked by TJ 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
It may be a silly question , but have you met with the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator at your son's school and explained what form his fits take and how they are affecting his education? If not, this must be your first step. As you indicate, it can be extremely difficult for a teacher in charge of a whole class to identify when he is fitting and not daydreaming. The SENCO can be expected to inform all his teachers of his fits and how they may appear, Senco should also be expected to provide support that will allow him to access the National Curriculum - this is every child's right. Depending on where you live (postcode lottery) and the level of his epilepsy , it may be that he should be considered for a Statement ie, he must legally be given teaching/learning support for a specified period by the LEA. The school must give him, and you, support and they should advise you the best way it can be given. This is expected of the school, but you can also ask for referral to the school nurse for additional support if you need to.
Good luck - be firm with the school via SENCO, they must help him.
2006-09-05 10:45:25 · answer #1 · answered by Purple 8 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't really have any advice really, other than to keep speaking to people until someone listens. maybe you'd get a better result if you went to the LEA office? Has the head been of any help? Are there any epilepsy charities that could help you get in touch with the right people?
Hope I've helped a little and good luck for you and your son during this hard time
2006-09-05 09:58:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the above advice is good but I would like to add the following links. You sound very caring and also unsure. I have also been in a situation of requiring a support group whilst learning to live with my two son's genetic disabilities. They are a mine of information. I am sure with the above information and with the various links available that can offer support and information you will find the answer(s) you need.
Although Doctors and Professionals can deal with the practicalities of the conditions, you need other sorts of support that only people experiencing this condition or living with it, can understand. Best of luck!
2006-09-05 10:12:05 · answer #3 · answered by Confuzzled 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're getting no joy from the LEA, then your best bet is to talk to your son's head teacher about your concerns. It may be that he/she knows of other support that is available for people with your son's condition, and may be able to get the LEA's attention better than you can.
Anything is worth a shot right? I hope that you find the answers that you're looking for.......good luck.
2006-09-05 10:03:11 · answer #4 · answered by Jenni 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't believe the LEA have done nothing to support you on this matter. I take it the school haven't been much help on this matter. You could try going direct to the school board you can find the details on your local council website see if you can get any luck down that route. If he is having that many fits whilst at school he should have one to one support at school with someone who is trained in epilepsy and can administer any medication needed to bring him out of his fit. In my job we support children with learning and physical disabilities and challenging behaviour and out local social services has funded some of the children so they get the support needed at school, this may also be another route to try. Hope this helps, please feel free to contact me if you would like more info on anything i have said.
2006-09-05 10:05:08 · answer #5 · answered by suzanne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to immediately request an IEP, Independant Education Plan, meeting for your son. Be prepared to bring medical documentation of his illness. You want to ask for special accomodations for him based upon his illness, like tutoring, written assignments (as opposed to verbal because he might miss something.) He is probably entitled to receive extra time to take tests or complete homework assignments. There are federal laws (ADA) that protect him, and can continue to protect him as he enters college and later, the work force. Don't give up on him, most schools are ill prepared to help special needs children. If necessary, look in your phone book for a Special Education Advocate who will help guide you through this process.
2006-09-05 10:02:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask your doctor to contact your LEA on your behalf so that they are fully aware of the medical issues and they should be able to sort out a home-tutor who will come to your house to stop any further disruption to his education. Make sure you also write a letter to the exam boards accompanied by a doctor's note so that they are aware of the situation too. All the best
2006-09-05 10:00:08 · answer #7 · answered by missree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋