The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has published a toolkit callled "You Are Not Alone" for supporting families of teens with epilepsy. The focus of this guide is to support transition to high school. The CDC states:
"
You Are Not Alone is a toolkit developed specifically for parents of
teens who have epilepsy. Parents know that the transition from childhood
into adulthood often includes emotional, psychological, and social
challenges for any teen. But a teen with epilepsy, especially when newly
diagnosed, may have additional anxiety and confusion due to epilepsy’s
complexity and unpredictability. When other people (including teachers,
other children, and other parents) do not understand or are afraid of this
teen who may appear different, a communication barrier can develop, creating
further misunderstanding, isolation, and discouragement. Parents can play an
important role in preventing this. When their children with epilepsy become
teenagers, they can encourage and assist them in taking responsibility for
themselves, while at the same time helping them accept the limitations on
their freedom and choices that may be necessitated by the seizure disorder.
The materials in this toolkit are designed to support this effort."
The kit includes literature, streaming video and guidance to help students make it through a difficult transition from grade school to high school. Parents may want to consider using this guide both as a help for the family and to develop goals and supports for the IEP or 504 plan for high school.