?504-B for kids with absence seizures?

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mymanuelita

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Hello,
I am fairly new to this, as my daughter was just diagnosed with absence seizures. She has had "behavioral problems" all year according to her kindergarten teachers. Many of the issues may have arisen as a result of my daughter seizing-in addition to being a very smart, social girl:).

When we spoke with a neurologist we were told that she qualifies for the 504-B accommodation and the doctor recommends it.

We have decided as a family to try to deal with my daughter's seizures without the medication. We are researching alternative treatments.

So after that long intro-Has anyone dealt with this before? Does it help? Is it necessary?

Thank you,
Kelly
 
Hi Kelly --

Have you looked at the Modified Atkins Diet? It has a good track record for helping with absence seizures. More info here: http://www.atkinsforseizures.com/

I don't know about the 504-B -- hope others will chime in.

Best,
Nakamova
 
Hello Nakamova,
Thanks for all your suggestions. I have looked at many of the articles and put a call into my daughter's primary care physician to follow up on some of the treatment alternatives.

Do you know much about absence seizures? Do you have epilepsy?
Thanks,
Kelly
 
I don't get absence seizures, just the tonic-clonic variety. But CWE has a fair number of members who do get absences, so they may post when they get a chance. You can also search for info in the archives using the "Search" tab in the top menu bar.
 
A 504 plan is a safety net between you and the school. What it does is document your child's medical situation, and you and your doctor make recommendations / requirements for the school to follow.

I am not sure how a 504 is different than a 504-B

It is a very helpful document for a parent to have. It allows for medical accommodations for your child during school hours. As you move into higher grade levels you need to learn about an IEP - Individualized Education Plan which are accommodations for the academic requirements. You will have annual meetings with the school, (teachers, administration, and specialists). If you can afford it, you can hire an advocate to go to these meetings with you. I found with some research, I was able to manage the meetings just fine, as long as I had a patient, open mind. You will need to advocate for your own child though. Request what your child needs, which can always be adjusted.

As a parent, I would highly recommend that you ask for both a 504 and an IEP.
 
My daughter has a 504 for auditory processing disorder. It is just something, on record, that states there is a situation with your child that requires special accommodations. It is VERY much so needed. It would help the school place your child with the best teachers for their needs, make sure substitutes are aware of the situation, and "force" the school to make adaptations she might need(like extra time to complete her work).
 
Thank you. We are for sure going to do it for the fall. Her teachers this year have not been exactly sensitive to her needs and I feel like it would be a waste of time to get it implemented. I am hopeful that with the next teachers we will see a marked improvement in safety and sensitivity.

Thank you for all the great support and suggestions.
 
504 is wonderful. Part of what it can do is mandate that all the teachers in the school go through some sort of epilepsy training so that they are aware of the different types of seizures and what to do before, during and after. As your daughter moves into higher grades that 504 moves with her and gets adjusted as situations change..allowing her more time to complete assignments if necessary. Allowing her to retake a test without penalty should she have a seizure during the test. It will also allow for absences due to seizure activity or related appointments to not be held against attendace. Its so beneficial to have. :) Good luck.
 
You need to request this accommodation ASAP.
If something were to happen, your wishes, how you want it taken care of are documented.
From bathroom expectations, to playground rules, to nutritional needs, or rest time after a seizure.

There is a lot of paperwork, and necessary testing (for the IEP)... so get this started now, so that you do no have to be in limbo in the fall. You are also more likely able to request a teacher, but you will have to have specific reasons for doing so.
 
Since your daughter is fairly smart, I would force the school to provide her with a High School Diploma rather than just a certificate. There is a big difference.

Please keep the neurologist involved throughout the process.
 
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