Training in epilepsy needed in more schools

Launceston's mother, Georgina Schilg, feared that teachers would confuse her daughter's epileptic seizures with the fact that she was not listening to her.

But not anymore.

Ms. Schilg knows that Sophie's teachers, aged 10, are able to recognize her daughter's symptoms and call her, or an ambulance, if necessary.

Sophie does not always lose consciousness when she is having a seizure, but she turns pale, has trouble speaking, becomes unstable on her feet and her eyes can roll backwards.

"I always hoped that they would understand the fact that she had seizures," Ms. Schilg said.

"Now employees understand a lot better what to look for and feel more confident when dealing with Sophie."

That's because the mother picked up the phone and asked Epilepsy Australia what help she could get to school.

The organization has helped set up the Epilepsy Smart School program, which informs teachers about epilepsy and epileptic seizures, explains them how to react, take notes and create a safe environment .

In Australia, almost one in 200 students had epilepsy, less than 5% of schools and teachers were trained in epilepsy.

Schilg wants more to be done to help families like hers.

"These children are facing many epilepsy problems and this can have an impact on their entire lives," she said.

"For staff to understand better, it's so much better for kids."

At present, only 475 schools in the country meet the criteria required to create a safe and positive educational environment for students with epilepsy, according to Epilepsy Australia.

"It is imperative that schools take an individualized approach to meeting the needs of each student," said organization president Wendy Groot.

"First aid training is not enough – beyond crises and taking medication on a daily basis, teachers need to understand the psychological, social and cognitive impact that epilepsy can have and adapt their methods." Teaching accordingly. "

Since 2017, the organization has expanded the program so that all Australian schools are eligible to become recognized as a smart school against epilepsy.