Making Accommodations at School for Your Child Who Has MS

Learning to live with pediatric MS is not easy for your child; it’s not easy for you.  One of the most difficult parts of living with MS for a child may be a lack of understanding from friends and teachers about hidden symptoms.

Academic accommodations or modifications may be necessary to minimize the effect MS may have on the student’s learning and academic performance.  Although it is easier to respond to symptoms which are easy to see and understand (e.g., walking difficulties, balance problems, or tremor) than less obvious symptoms like fatigue and cognitive changes, all symptoms are equally important to recognize.

Specific physical and emotional stressors which students with MS may experience in school include:

• Bladder or bowel symptoms which require frequent, urgent trips to the bathroom

• Difficulty taking the stairs due to weakness, fatigue or poor balance

• Change in academic placement due to cognitive changes

• Visual changes which come and go and interfere with classroom functioning

• Depression or mood disorder

• Inconsistent level of empathy and support from school staff

• Isolation

MS is unpredictable, so understanding its symptoms is key to providing an appropriate 504 or Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  Since a variety of MS symptoms can negatively effect your child’s ability to learn, he/she may qualify for Other Health Impaired (OHI) special education services.  Check with your school administration to see if this is an appropriate approach for your child.

Read this post in its entirety:

Pediatric MS: School Accommodations for Academic Excellence