Getting Your Child the Migraine Help They Need at School

Managing migraine disorder in a school setting can be challenging for both children and their families. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide we’ve created in collaboration with Migraine at School to help parents and guardians start the conversation with their child's school to secure the necessary adjustments or accommodations.

Step 1: Understand your child’s needs

• Observation: Begin by closely observing your child’s migraine triggers, frequency, and symptoms.
• Documentation: Keep a detailed diary of migraine episodes, noting times, triggers, symptoms, and any actions taken. You can use the Migraine at School headache diary or use an app like Migraine Buddy or Migraine Insight.
• Medical records: Collect all relevant medical records, including diagnosis and treatment plans from your child’s healthcare provider.

Step 2: Initiate a healthcare plan

• Healthcare plan and physician letter: Start with creating a comprehensive healthcare plan for your child. Migraine at School offers a fillable healthcare plan template that is ready for use. You can also download an easy-to-use letter you can get signed by your child’s healthcare provider.
• Consultation: Schedule a meeting with your child’s healthcare provider to discuss and complete the healthcare plan.

Step 3: Schedule a meeting with the school

• Request a meeting: Contact the school to request a meeting with relevant staff, such as the school nurse, counselor, and administrators. You do not need to take no for an answer.
• Prepare documentation: Bring the completed healthcare plan, medical records, and migraine diary to the meeting.

Step 4: Discuss the healthcare plan and needs

• Presentation: Present the healthcare plan and explain your child’s specific needs.
• Symptoms and triggers: Educate the school staff about your child's migraine symptoms and potential triggers, and the impact they have on your child’s learning and attendance.
• Emergency protocols: Discuss what should be done in case of a migraine attack at school.

Step 5: Explore school adjustments*

• Classroom adjustments: Discuss possible adjustments such as allowing your child to wear sunglasses, take breaks, or move to a quieter environment during a migraine.
• Academic adjustments: Explore adjustments like extended deadlines, modified homework, and alternative test arrangements.
• Physical environment: Ensure the classroom environment minimizes migraine triggers (for example, avoiding fluorescent lighting, ensuring good ventilation).

Step 6: Formalize the accommodations

• 504 plan or IEP: If needed, discuss the possibility of a 504 plan or an individualized education program (IEP) to formalize the accommodations. You can learn more about 504s and IEPs in this article.
• Legal rights: Understand your child’s legal rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Step 7: Regular communication and review

• Ongoing communication: Maintain regular communication with the school staff to monitor the effectiveness of the adjustments and/or accommodations.
• Review meetings: Schedule periodic review meetings to update the needs of your child.

Step 8: Empower your child

• Self-advocacy: Encourage your child to speak up about their needs and feelings regarding their migraine management at school.
• Education: Teach your child about their condition and how to manage it effectively, including recognizing early warning signs and knowing when to seek help.

Step 9: Utilize additional resources

• Support groups: Consider joining support groups for parents of children with migraine to share experiences and strategies. You can join the US Pain Foundation/Migraine at School parent support group here.
• Educational materials: Use educational materials from the Migraine at School parent page to educate your school community about migraine. Become a Migraine at School ambassador to support your advocacy efforts.

By following these steps, parents and guardians can effectively collaborate with schools to create a supportive and accommodating environment for their children living with migraine.

*Why are we using the word "adjustment?" Adjustments are attached to a healthcare plan, which is less formal than a 504 plan. Accommodations and modifications are used for 504s and IEPs.