Epilepsy is ‘more than seizures’. People think that epilepsy is just seizures but don’t take into the account the full impact epilepsy can have on a person’s life.

From mental health challenges, loss of independence, impact it can have at work and on relationships, and memory issues, epilepsy can potentially impact every part of a person’s life.

In this blog, we are going to focus on the effect epilepsy can have on a person’s ability to learn whether at school, university or college and the support that is available.

Support at school

Teachers are in a good position to spot, record and discreetly monitor a child’s seizures.

They can also be the first to notice when this seizure pattern changes. This will be important information when talking to parents and other support agencies.

Schools should have an epilepsy policy to ensure that children living with epilepsy are given an equal chance to learn.

It should summarise what the school will do to help and support a child affected by seizures.

Also, it should outline what the school will do to support learning for a child who misses class frequently or for longer periods because of their epilepsy.

Irregular attendance or frequent seizures can affect a child’s learning and exam results.

Special assessment arrangements for exams will take a child’s epilepsy into account. Schools need to request special assessment arrangements by contacting The Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA). There is comprehensive guidance on their website www.sqa.org.uk.

Day to day support at school

If a teacher knows a child has frequent absence seizures, there are several ways they can help. For example, they can repeat instructions several times including instructions for homework.

A school may also consider setting up a buddy system. A buddy can supply information the child missed and help in school and also with homework.

A child who has sleep seizures can feel tired in the morning. It can be difficult for a child to concentrate and take in information early in the day.

As with absence seizures, a teacher can support the child by giving instructions more than once or consider a buddy system in the class.

To help with concentration in general, the child may benefit from sitting near the front.

Teachers should use as many physical prompts as possible, such as pointing to a page, or writing on the whiteboard. This will help the child stay focused during the day.

Check out our Teacher’s Guide for more information.

Support at University

All colleges and universities have dedicated student support and disability services designed to help students. Disability Services provide students with advice and guidance and assess support needs.

They can provide a range of practical support and advice whether you are a prospective, new, or current student.

If you are student with epilepsy and are struggling to keep on top of your workload, there is support to help.

Universities can pair a student up with a one-to-one study support tutor to help streamline study techniques, so you are working as effectively as possible. Set up a study plan, so you are organising your time and allowing for rest breaks.

Working with a tutor also helps to identify areas you may be struggling with and offer practical tips to help.

Contact the Disability Service preferably before you start your studies or as soon as possible after arrival. The advisors will be able to help and look at solutions for you.

Also, depending on the type of epilepsy they can help look at adaptions in your halls, such as having a room on the ground floor, specialised pillows and Personal Care Plans should there be an emergency.

By reaching out for help, you can explore the many avenues of support available and work out what is best suited for your needs.

For more information and advice about being a student with epilepsy, check out our Student Guide.

If you have any questions, concerns, or simply want to talk to someone, please contact our freephone helpline on 0808 800 2200.