Problems in the School Setting
The first step in meeting your child's needs is to identify potential problems your child might have at school. One of the best ways to identify possible problem areas is to "walk through" your child's daily schedule at school. Follow their school routine by checking classroom setup, their desk, bathrooms, the cafeteria, library, gym and the playground. The types of possible problems for a student with a rheumatic diseases can occur in several different areas.
Most children with rheumatic diseases have only a few areas of concern. However, the following sections discuss several problem areas and approaches or possible solutions for each area.
| Common Problem Areas | Possible Solutions |
|---|
| Mobility problems | - Arrange for your child to leave class a few minutes early or to arrive five minutes late
- Ask the school to keep classes close together so your child does not have to walk long distances
- Have one of your child's friends stay with your child during class changes
- Arrange for help for your child getting on the bus
- Arrange for shortest time possible to ride on the bus; this gives more time for bathing, dressing, breakfast, exercises, etc. in the morning
- Make special arrangements for gym class or PE teacher to adapt activities for your child (swimming, scorekeeper, coach, timer, etc.)
- Make plans ahead of time for your child if necessary during field trips, fire drills or special class activities
|
| Stiffness | - Arrange with the teacher to have your child move about the class frequently (handing out or collecting papers, erasing chalkboards, etc.)
- Arrange to have your child sit in the back, or to one side of the class so they can stand without being noticed (this may not work if your child has eye problems)
- Arrange for late arrival to school
- Encourage your child to keep her/his legs straight whenever possible
- If your child has knee or hip problems, then discourage sitting cross-legged or "Indian-style" on the floor
|
| Difficulty carrying books, lunch trays, or other items | - Be sure your child knows how to protect her/his joints and how to use larger joints for lifting
- Ask for two sets of books – one to keep at home and one for school; if the school is unable to provide two sets of books, have them photocopy chapters
- Provide a backpack if your child does not have shoulder problems
- Have a friend help carry lunch trays or heavy items
- Provide an elevator pass / key if possible
|
| Difficulty writing, opening lockers or toileting | - Have your child try pencil build-ups. Also try felt tip pens, as they require less effort to use
- Arrange for your child to have more time to complete tests, dictate answers onto a tape, tape record lectures, or have friends share class notes
- Extra time to complete standardized tests (i.e., SAT, proficiency) must be requested in writing months before the test
- Ask permission for your child to have shorter homework assignments, or to type assignments
- Be sure if help is needed for toileting it is given in the least noticeable way possible
- Provide devices to help open lockers or door handles or turn faucets
|
| Fatigue | - Arrange for your child to have a rest period during the day or after school
- Making arrangements for late arrival or early dismissal may be helpful
|
| Requires medication at school | - Sign the appropriate permission slips for school
- Get a doctor's order for medication to be given
- Arrange for your child to take medications at specific times (after lunch or with a snack)
- Discuss the possible side effects of your child's medication with appropriate school staff (the school nurse and your child's teacher(s))
|
| Difficulty telling classmates about their disease or treatments | - Encourage your child to take part in activities in and outside of school
- Encourage your child to attend extra activities, such as sport events, youth clubs, school clubs
- Allow children in class to learn more about such things as splints, pencil grips, etc.
- Let your child decorate her / his splint
- Arrange for the Arthritis Foundation program, "Kids on the Block," to be presented at school
- Arrange for your child to have a special "buddy" at school or to be part of a support group or to talk with a counselor if necessary
|
For more information about the William S. Rowe Division of Rheumatology at Cincinnati Children's, please contact 513-636-4676.
