Educational Intervention for Children With Epilepsy: A Challenge for Collaborative Service Delivery

Abstract

A new approach to educational intervention that establishes open communication and collaboration between medical and school personnel is required if the special needs of children with epilepsy are to be met. Seizures and anticonvulsant medications have an impact upon classroom performance, but the effect of learning and behavior problems associated with epilepsy is often more severe. Comprehensive managment of epilepsy demands treatment of both medical and educational problems. Lack of information regarding epilepsy, its management, and associated disorders, however, prevents teachers from providing appropriate educational interventions. An epilepsy training program for school personnel is proposed as necessary for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment of children with epilepsy.