How Can Lyme Impact My Child’s Education?
Lyme disease and co-infections can affect the central nervous system of a child, sometimes resulting in educational challenges as well as symptoms that can appear to be behavioral. There are many resources noting the potential impact Lyme disease may have on a child’s learning or ability to participate in an educational environment. Here are a few of those resources:
Neuropsychological Implications of Lyme by Dr. Judith Leventhal
Infection Induced Encephalopathy: Cognitive and Sensory Impairments
Distinct Pattern of Cognitive Impairment Noted In Lyme Patients
The Role of Neuropsychological Testing in Children with Lyme
A Controlled Study of Cognitive Deficits in Children with Chronic Lyme Disease
Gifted Students and Lyme Disease
Educating Kids with Lyme Disease
Transitory Learning Disabilities and Lyme Disease
Identifying Lyme in the Schools
Lyme Disease and Cognitive Impairment: Executive Functions
Children with Lyme have been diagnosed with many of the following, which can impact education and learning:
Countries differ as to disability laws; in some countries, students can be classified as having a health condition so as to receive additional services or accommodations.
- For those in the United States, your child may benefit from a 504 or Individualized Education Plan.
- For those Outside the U.S., the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education or Council for Learning Disabilities International both provide excellent recourses about finding support for your child’s educational needs.
With perseverance on the part of parents and doctors, a greater number of educational organizations will begin to recognize and help to manage the effects of Lyme disease on the education of our children. In the meantime, we must work to find the best way to educate each child who suffers from Lyme disease, and maintain the hope that with proper medical treatment, symptoms may lessen or disappear over time.
Even More!
We have a so much more information for you on our Pinterest board, Educating Children with Lyme Disease. Continue your research and get more great information there!