Elementary Education Accomidations
My 10 year old daughter has been suffering from headaches and migraines for the past 4 years. It seems like each year it has gotten worse and has intensified. We now are having issues with her teacher asking if she’s faking the headaches/migraines just to not be in class. She will be going to junior high next year and we want to make sure she’s going to have the support and help when she needs it. Currently trying to figure out how to get accommodations made for her at her school. She’s missed a handful days of school already and afraid she’s going to get behind on her studies and grades. Any helpful suggestions or ideas? Thank you
Hi there
, Thanks for reaching out. I am so sorry to hear that your child is experiencing this and that she is not getting the support & understanding that she needs at school. She is certainly not alone in this struggle. While others may be along to share their feedback & advice, in the meantime, I wanted to share a few resources that may help.
https://migraine.com/migraines-in-children-and-teens/forms-for-children/
https://migraine.com/migraines-in-children-and-teens/migraines-school/
https://migraine.com/blog/migraines-back-to-school-10-tips/
https://migraine.com/blog/special-education-services-children-migraine/She is very lucky to have you in her corner advocating for her! Great job arming yourself with the information to set her up for success. I truly wish her the best. Take good care. -Joanna (Migraine.com Team)
Hi! I’m a little bit late, but I hope you get this. My migraines started in middle school/jr high, so I’m well versed in the system, but it might be different in your daughter’s school.
I would start by scheduling an appointment with her school counselor, if she has one, they will be in charge of putting a plan in place that will help her when or if she has to miss days. In my school district this plan was called a 504c plan and it was basically something that outlined a student’s ailment, and their needs. What you would do is sit down with her counselor, and most likely her school nurse, bring in a letter from her doctor explaining what’s wrong and then tell them what she needs. For me this was leniency in regards to absences, extra time on tests and assignments and some accommodations in regards to due dates. Always ask for more, you don’t have to use them but it’s nice to have it there if you do. This plan will follow her through high school, and will be sent to her teachers so they know what she needs. I always spoke to them in the first couple days as well, just to give them a heads up.
The school nurse is the faculty member most likely to push for help, but ultimately and unfortunately her greatest advocate will have to be you, and later on, herself. It sounds like you’re doing an amazing job already, so I wouldn’t worry too much. But sometimes schools can be less accommodating than medically necessary, especially when it comes to invisible disorders. My middle school/jr high was wonderful, but high school it got tougher to find help, just thought I’d warn you. In my experience teachers are always more than willing to make exceptions and help out, but you can run into some trouble with the administration. That’s why the doctors note, or notes are so important. Of course most important of all is your support, and she already has you being an amazing mom so I have no doubt it will go well for her.
Good luck and I hope she feels better soon!
Emi
