School can be tough for any child but especially if that child has one of the myasthenias.

Here, you will find advice on how to help children with myasthenia through the school day and some tips on how you may be able to enhance their overall school experience.

We can also provide a simple information booklet to explain myasthenia and the difficulties associated with it. This can be given to the school and to classmates.

Medication

Children affected by myasthenia may need medication up to seven times a day. It must be punctual and regular, or the child's health and mobility can be compromised.

With training, support and understanding, it is usually preferable for the school to administer the necessary medication. If the head teacher agrees to this, the child will enjoy a greater sense of inclusion in the day-to-day life of the school.

Accessible Buildings

Living with myasthenia means that mobility can fluctuate throughout the day. This is why schools must have accessible buildings.

Many things can present difficulties for children with myasthenia, including steps, heavy doors and uneven playgrounds.

To access a mainstream school, some pupils will need a supporting adult to help them access equipment, write for them, move around safely, visit the toilet, carry bags and books and assist with medication.

Flexibility During the School Day

Due to the fluctuating nature of the condition, teachers find that children with myasthenia are sometimes too fatigued to take part in some activities.

PE is a particular challenge, and if a child is too fatigued to take part, they should be listened to and excused.

We know that schools are under pressure to ensure that attendance and punctuality are high; however, for children with myasthenia, pressure can cause stress, which in turn makes the myasthenia worse.

Helpful Tips

Every child with myasthenia is different; however, here are some helpful tips that could help in the school environment:

• Use a chair of suitable height
• Avoid sitting on the floor and having to get up and down frequently
• Request extra time for completing work and tests
• Use computers and laptops instead of writing
• Consideration should be given to how much participation in PE and sport should be expected
• Allow for starting late and leaving early, if necessary
• Avoid having to stand in queues
• Make suitable arrangements for medication to be taken in line with medical advice
• Understand that some children with myasthenia can be affected by increased bladder and bowel urgency and so they should be allowed to go to the toilet when needed
• The school should be informed of what to do in the event of worsening weakness or in an emergency
• Parents, teachers and paediatricians can apply for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) if additional support is needed
• Accept that myasthenia symptoms typically vary from day-to-day and within a day, so children are not “making it up” if symptoms suddenly get worse

If you should need more information about education or other support available, you can contact myaware on 01332 290 219 or email