How to Talk to Children About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a frightening and confusing disease to deal with for anyone, either as a patient or the family member or friend of someone with epilepsy. Talking openly about epilepsy will allow children to cope and may help ease their fears through a better understanding of how and why epilepsy occurs and what can be done to manage the condition. Read on to learn how to talk to children about epilepsy.

Instructions

• 1

  Be sure to have a strong understanding of epilepsy by doing any necessary background research before having a discussion about it with a child. Prepare yourself by referring to any resources that are available to you, including books or brochures recommended by your doctor or websites, such as the Epilepsy Foundation's website. See the Resources section below for a link. Some children may ask questions which require thorough answers, while others may not ask any at all, and it's important to be ready with detailed information.

• 2

  Establish the level of understanding about epilepsy that the child has before beginning your discussion. First, ask the child if he knows anything about epilepsy or seizures, while making it clear that it is perfectly fine if he has no prior knowledge.

• 3

  Explain that a seizure is a temporary malfunction in someone's brain, and that epilepsy is a condition where a person has a tendency to have seizures. Tell the child that in most cases, the cause for someone having epilepsy is not known, but it is found in both children and adults.

• 4

  Stress that epilepsy is not contagious. If the child has epilepsy, explain that it is not her fault and she should not be afraid to play freely with other children. Talk to children with epilepsy about how to deal with the condition at school, such as discussing the topic with teachers and other students.

• 5

  Emphasize that you are willing to answer any question the child might have, regardless of how simple or embarrassing it may seem. It is important to let the child know that he can talk to you about any fears or concerns regarding epilepsy.

• 6

  Help children who have epilepsy to take responsibility for learning more about their condition. They should know how to talk to others about it and be careful to follow the recommended dosages for their medication. If a family member or friend of the child is coping with epilepsy, review the necessary safety precautions to take in the event of a seizure, such as clearing away any hazardous objects and seeking help from an adult.