Working To Overcome the Social Stigma of Epilepsy
Kids typically just want to fit in. But as the parent of a child living with epilepsy, you know that your child does have a few more concerns than the average school-aged kid. So what can you do to give your child the added confidence to just be a regular kid while living with epilepsy?
Start by informing your son or daughter
At school, your child will encounter some peers, or even adults, with incorrect or outdated ideas about epilepsy. To help overcome these misconceptions, make sure your son or daughter has the facts about their condition. This way, should teachers or peers ask your child about his or her condition, they can speak confidently about it.
Let your child do some of the explaining
Your child is capable of fighting some of his or her own battles. So when someone needs a “refresher course” on epilepsy, why not let your child be the educator. You can help to teach your child how to teach others. Try role-playing, giving your child the chance to explain his or her epilepsy in their own words to you. By doing this, you’re helping to build your child’s confidence.
Epilepsy education is key
Another great way to fight the social stigma of epilepsy is to bring epilepsy education into every classroom. Most stigmas are based on fear of the unknown. Therefore, the more correct information that teachers, school staff, and students have, the more accepting they will be of those living with epilepsy. When teachers and school staff are armed with the right information, and they understand that epilepsy is not something to be feared, then they will be able to take appropriate action.
To help promote epilepsy education, Epilepsy Classroom has created an entire curriculum to assist teachers of any grade level in effectively managing, discussing, and educating about epilepsy. We encourage you to share this program with your school. Click here to find out more about this program.