This document discusses meeting the needs of a child named Zenna who has epilepsy and her family. It provides information on Zenna's development needs, her mother's needs while on bed rest, details on epilepsy including causes, symptoms and treatment, recommendations for adapting the physical environment and routines to accommodate Zenna, as well as agencies and resources that can support children with epilepsy and their families.

1. Meeting the Needs of
Children and Families-
Epilepsy
ECEP 233 063- Inclusion of Children with Special Needs
Nadia Quest
300653498
April 4, 2013
Lisa McCaie

2. Needs of the child
• Mom was told that Zenna has epilepsy
• I observed that Zenna has atypical development in many
areas of development

3. Needs of the family
• Zenna’s mother was recommended to stay on complete bed
rest because she has a difficult pregnancy and is at risk of
delivering the unborn baby prematurely.
• Her mother was told that she has epilepsy and doesn’t know
what to do

4. What is epilepsy?
• “a chronic disorder of the
brain resulting in the
tendency to have reccurent
seizures” (Haugen, H. p.42)
• This disorder affects how
the cerebral cortex
functions, causing the
neurons to fire off faster
than normal in little bursts
of electricity sending the
body mixed up messages,
which results in an
epileptic seizure (Haugen,
H. p.4)
• A pattern of chronic
seizures over a long period

5. Understanding epilepsy video
Dr. Fisher, MD, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Stanford Epilepsy
Center
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNQlq004FkE

6. Symptoms of a seizure
Minor Worst
• Staring into space • Fall to the ground in
• Lip smacking convulsions and pass out
• Arm and leg jerking (unconsciousness)
• Blurry vision or a brief
loss of hearing

7. What causes it?
• 50-70% is unknown
• 8% is inherited from parent, there’s a higher risk if parent has
epilepsy
• Males are more likely to have epilepsy
• It can develop at any age, most common under twenty
• It can happen as a result of trauma to a baby during birth from
the lack of oxygen to the brain
• Poisons like lead in paint, mercury in thermometers and
carbon monoxide in gasoline can also cause epilepsy

8. Some common triggers
• Flashing or flickering
lights
• Stress (too much)
• Not enough sleep
• Poor diet

9. Categories of seizures
Partial Seizures Generalized Seizures
• Occurs in one area of the • Spreads throughout the
brain brain affecting more than
one area at a time
• Only one area of the • Grand mal-loss of
body is affected, if consciousness, contraction
occurs in the area that of muscles, last from three
controls vision is affected to five minutes, longer
recovery
causing it to be blurry
• Petit mal-stare into space,
pause during conversation,
lasts thirty seconds, no
recovery time needed

10. Adaptations to the Physical
Environment

11. Removal of Barriers
• The classroom should
have some open
space with wider
paths just in case she
were to fall to the
ground, there would
be less objects to hit
into

12. Physical Space
• Have a “rest area”
available for when
she is recovering
from a grand mal
seizure because she
will feel tired and
confused
• Or a “safe spot” for
the her to lie down if
she can tell when a
seizure is coming

13. Adaptive Device
Working Service Dog:
Seizure-Alert Dog
• A specially trained
seizure-alert dog is very
helpful to have because
it can alert Zenna to let
her know she’s about to
have a seizure so she can
get to a safe spot
• This dog will “react to
this by circling the
owner, pawing at the
ground, or barking”
(Wright,S. p.39)

14. Flexibility in Routines,
Schedules & Activities
• If I was a caregiver at a
center or in a school the
daily schedule will follow
an order but flexible with
time because if Zenna has
seizures throughout the
day she will require extra
attention
• She may need time to rest
and recover after, so I
would tell her to join in
when she’s ready
• If she misses out on an
activity or didn’t finish I can
make some time in the
schedule to make it up

15. Safety & Safe Risk taking
• Depending on what • Baby proof the corners
type of epilepsy Zenna of shelves and tables
has, she may not be with cushioning
able to take part in all material to reduce
sports activities so I injury if she were to
will always take pass out
precautions against
possible dangers when
Zenna is bike riding,
climbing and doing
contact sports, and
have a helmet
available

16. Collaborative Planning
• Make sure that all the
staff are aware of
Zenna’s special need
and share ideas,
working together to
help her and to
promote an inclusive
environment
• Work with other
professionals to
support and guide
Zenna

17. Staff Support & Training
• The caregivers in the
room should have a
workshop to learn
about what happens
during a seizure and
trained in first aid
procedures for grand
mal seizures, if Zenna
has this type of seizure
• Staff should be aware
of the signs of a
seizure and triggers to
avoid

18. Parents of the Child with
Special Needs
• I will warmly greet her
mother each day and
give her verbal support
• I can have resources
available like
brochures for Zenna’s
mother to gain more
information about
epilepsy and learn
about the services and
agencies that can
support them

19. Inclusion of the Child
• Modifications to the physical environment can be made to
support Zenna’s development, encourage participation and
independence
• Zenny will be treated with respect and fairness from the staff
and other children in child care setting
• Teaching the other children about Zenna’s special need could
reduce some of their fears and to gain an understanding and
acceptance

20. How to involve the other children
Depending on the age of the other children:
• Teach the other children in the room about epilepsy using
books and role play so that they can help if needed
• The other children can learn the signs/symptoms of a seizure
to call a teacher and know what the triggers are
• Let the children know where to find cushions in the case of a
seizure
• If the seizures may be too traumatizing for the other children
the caregiver can make arrangements to bring the children to
another room

21. Inclusion of the Family
• One thing I could do is advise Zenna’s mother to sign a form
14 to get access to services that are available to help her and
give relief to the family with support.
• Make a written document (log) from observations I made of
Zenna throughout the day to share with her mother.
• Have open communication with her mother about Zenna’s
progress and be available to talk with her when needed in
person or by phone.

22. First Aid for seizures
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW4ThDRvzcE&feature=pl
ayer_embedded

23. Teaching Strategies
• As an ECE I could record • The IPP’s and IEP’s “include thoughts,
observations to work with a ideas, observations, strategies and
Resource Consultant to make and solutions” (Class notes, week5 )
implement Individual Program
plans, if she was in a child care
centre, and Individual Education
Plans, if she is in school, to help her
reach her full potential and
implement the IPP’s
• If Zenna has seizures she will miss
out on learning so the “IEP is a
written plan and is a working
document that describes the
strengths and needs of an
individual exceptional student, the
special education program and
services established to meet that
student’s needs, how the program
and services will be delivered and
how the student is progressing”
(tdsb glossary, website)

24. Agencies & Resources

25. Resource Teacher or
Consultant
• The Resource Teachers
can help provide
schools an opportunity
to meet the needs of
Zenna while
maintaining a
traditional
environment.
• It will give Zenna an
opportunity to interact
Toronto District School Board
and learn with the General tel: 416-397-3000
other children Email:communications@tdsb.on.ca

26. Paediatrician
• The “Paediatrician
specializes in child
development and
medical care for
children” (Week 9
notes)
Dr. Peter Azzopardi
• He will be able to 3030 Lawrence Ave E
help Zenna’s mother Toronto, ON M1P 2T7
monitor her (416) 431-5292
development

27. Neuropsychologist
• Zenna’s mother can
talk to this specialist
about any concerns
she may have about
her learning abilities
she may have
• Conducts
assessments and Dr. Elizabeth Kerr
The Hospital for Sick Children
provide family 555 University Avenue
treatment and Toronto, ON
M5G 1X8
support Canada

28. Social Worker
• The social worker can
refer Zenna’s mother
to services that are
provided and direct
her to community
supports and services
(Week 9 notes) Malvern Social Services Office (OW)
• They can help Zenna’s 325 Milner Avenue,
9th Floor, Toronto
family to adjust to any Phone: 416 397-1000,
416-397-1010
problems they may
have in their lives

29. Psychiatrist
• This specialist could
provide assessments,
monitor medications
she may receive or
treatments
• They can also offer Dr. Susan Bradley
family councelling The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue
Toronto, ON
M5G 1X8
Canada
Tel:416-813-8150

30. Family Doctor
• Zenna’s mother can
bring her for regular
check ups
• The doctor can help
them find support
• If Zenna wasn’t Dr. Naznin Lalani
diagnosed by her Scarborough Medical
family doctor her 2680 Lawrence Avenue East
Scarborough
mother could bring her Ontario
to get diagnosed and M1P 4Y4
Tel: 416-755-2242
referrals for accessing
and diagnosis

31. Public Health Nurse
• A nurse can “provide
information on healthy
growth and
development of
children, immunization
and resources,
supports and services
in their community”
(Week 9 class notes)
• The nurse can also
help Zenna’s mother to • Call 3-1-1 for
receive care at home information and
while she’s on bed rest referrals

32. Relief Worker
• A Relief Worker “works
with the child with
special needs within the
home to allow relief for
the parent” (Week 9
class notes)
• Zenna’s mother has
difficult risky pregnancy St. Elizabeth
and should be on bed 2 Lansing Square
redt so a Relief Worker is Suite 600
Toronto, ON
important because M2J 4P8
he/she will be able to
work with Zenna at Phone: 416-498-8600
Fax: 416-498-0213
home so that there is TorontoCentralSDC@saintelizabeth.com
less travelling
http://www.saintelizabeth.com/About-Saint-
Elizabeth.aspx

33. Special Education Teacher
• “Specialty teacher who oversees and may also implement the
education and development of children with special needs”
(Class notes, week9)
• If Zenna is in school this teacher would help her to plan an
education program for her
Toronto District School Board
General tel: 416-397-3000
email: communications@tdsb.on.ca

34. Early Childhood Educator
• An Early Childhood Educator “observes, participates in creating and
implementing IPP’s, make adaptations in the environment, supports
families, links with other professionals, etc” (Class notes, week9)
• An ECE understands the importance of teamwork and collaboration
with other professionals to meet the needs of that child and
promote inclusive environments
• An ECE knows the importance of being connected with the families
as partners in their child’s learning and development and supports
the needs of the families using resources

35. Epilepsy Toronto
• Epilepsy Toronto • They are a non-profit
“prioritizes individual agency that supports
needs, the importance of people with epilepsy
living as independently as • Free programs and services
possible and the benefits are offered, and they
of community provide information about
engagement. Our programs epilepsy
address all aspects of • Services are available to
epilepsy from the first people who have and don’t
diagnosis of a child, to the have epilepsy
struggles that young
people face, to adult needs
such as employment and
relationships” (Epilepsy
Toronto website).

36. • They have a support group
for parents of young
children with epilepsy, to
share their experiences and
talk about challenges and
happy times raising children
with epilepsy
• Child, parent and family
counselling services are Epilepsy Toronto
available to provide 468 Queen St. East
Suite 210
information on issues Toronto, ON
surrounding epilepsy and M5A 1T7
the impact seizures have on Phone: (416) 964-9095
their development Fax: (416) 964-2492
E-mail: infoepilepsytoronto.org
• A counselor works with Website: www.epilepsytoronto.org
parents, school and agencies
to help the child adjust
http://epilepsytoronto.org/index.php

37. Canadian Epilepsy
Alliance
• Canadian Epilepsy Alliance • Linked with Epilepsy
mission is “The CEA/ACE is Toronto and Epilepsy
a partnership between Ontario
grassroots epilepsy
organizations Canada-wide
dedicated to the
promotion of
independence, quality of
life, and full community
participation of persons
with and affected by
epilepsy, through
innovative support
services, advocacy,
education and public
awareness”.
http://www.epilepsymatters.com/english/inde
x.html

38. Epilepsy Ontario
• Epilepsy Ontario “is
dedicated to promoting
independence and optimal
quality of life for children • Charitable non-profit non
and adults living with seizure governmental health
disorders. Through a organization
network of local agencies,
contacts and associates
across the province, Epilepsy
Ontario reaches out to
people with epilepsy and
their loved ones. We do this
by providing client services
including counselling and
referrals, information
education and advocacy
services” (Epilepsy Ontario
website).

39. • provides client
services, counselling
and referral services
• “funding is entirely
from the general Epilepsy Ontario
public, including Suite 803
contributions from 3100 Steeles Avenue East
corporations, Markham, ON Canada L3R 8T3
foundations, patrons, Tel: 905-474-9696
individuals and Tel: 1-800-463-1119 (toll free in Ontario)
Fax: 905-474-3663 Website:
generated from special info@epilepsyontario.org
events”(Epilepsy Hours of operation: Monday to Friday 9am
– 4pm (EST)
Ontario)
http://epilepsyontario.org/

40. Sick Kids Epilepsy
Classroom
• Partners with local
• The Epilepsy Classroom schools like the TDSB to
“caters to the individual provide programming
learning and social- • Onsite consultants such
emotional needs of as Clinical
children who have Neuropsychologist,
intractable Epilepsy, that Social Worker,
is, ongoing seizure Developmental
activity despite maximal Paediatrician, Clinical
medical treatment, as Nurse, Neurologist,
well as children who Psychiatrist
have recently undergone
brain surgery for
intractable Epilepsy”
(Sick Kids website)

41. • Sick Kids Epilepsy Classroom
has “a multidisciplinary team
which incudes a special
education teacher,
educational assistants,
development paediatrician,
neuropsychologist and social
worker to better understand
the interplay between
epilepsy and each student's
learning profile and social-
Elizabeth N. Kerr
emotional needs”(Sick Kids Psychology
website). The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue
• A referral can be made by a Toronto, ON
M5G 1X8
parent, teacher/school, Canada
neurologist, paediatrician,
family physician or other Phone: 416-813-6784
Fax: 416-813-8839
professional.
http://www.sickkids.ca/ProgramsandServices/
Epilepsy-Classroom/index.html

42. References
• Haugen, H. (2005).Understanding Diseases and Disorders:
Epilepsy. Farmington Hills, MI:Thomson Gale Corporation
• Wright, S. (2004). Health Issues: Epilepsy. Chicago, IL:Raintree
• Epilepsy Ontario. Retrived from http://epilepsyontario.org/
• Epilepsy Toronto. Retrived from
http://epilepsytoronto.org/index.php
• Canadian Epilepsy Alliance. Retrived from
http://www.epilepsymatters.com/english/index.html
• Class notes. Week 5. The Role of the Early Childhood Educator.
• Class notes. Week 5.Adaptive Learning Environments. Class
notes Week 5.
• TDSB Glossary. Retrived from
http://www.tdsb.on.ca/wwwdocuments/about_us/communic
ations/docs/TDSB_glossary.pdf

43. Image References
• Junk food. Retrived from http://marginalmatters.wordpress.com/2012/05/08/glycemic-index-
your-guide-to-healthy-food/
• TV with video game. Retrived from http://www.clipartguide.com/_pages/0060-0807-2100-
1320.html
• Stress. Retrived from http://www.clipartguide.com/_pages/0060-0807-2100-1320.html
• Children at window. Retrived from http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-22463695/stock-vector-
cute-illustrated-children-looking-out-the-night-window-at-the-stars.html
• Child on cushions. Retrived from http://www.premiersolutions.co.uk/detail.php?id=19
• Children holding hands. Retrived from http://ajonesfamilyfoundation.org/program/helping-kids/
• Brains. Retrived from http://www.epilepsycareandresearchfoundation.com/epilepsy-and-
children.html
• Mother and daughter. Retrived from http://www.123rf.com/photo_610479_pregnant-mother-
and-daughter-embracing.html
• Quiet area. Retrived from http://connectability.ca/2010/10/29/classroom-layout-tips/
• Epilepsy classroom Sick Kids. Retrived from http://www.ehphblog.org/2012/in-school-
education/sickkids-epilepsy-classroom-program/
• Google Maps. Retrived from http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
• Family for Epilepsy Toronto. Retrived from http://epilepsytoronto.org/aboutus.php
• Canadian Epilepsy Alliance. Retrived from http://www.epilepsymatters.com/english/index.html
• Epilepsy Ontario. Retrived from http://epilepsyontario.org/
• Nurse. Clip Art.
• TDSB logo. Retrived from http://www.tdsb.on.ca/aboutUs/
• Children in a circle. Retrived from http://cmascanada.ca/2011/04/20/inclusion-what-does-it-
mean/

44. Image References cont...
• Classrooms. Retrived from http://connectability.ca/Garage/wp-
content/themes/connectability/plugin/si_tipsheets/creating-Positive-environment.pdf and
http://connectability.ca/Garage/wp-content/themes/connectability/plugin/si_tipsheets/classroom-layout.pdf
• Child with dog. Retrived from http://4pawsforability.org/seizure-assistance-dog/
• Service dog. Retrived from http://www.jumpingwaves.com/tag/seizure-alert-dog/
• Schedule. Retrived from http://lessonpix.com/articles/9/33/Visual+Schedules
• Teacher and child. Retrived from http://www.123rf.com/photo_9094087_child-painting-in-preschool-teacher-
help-by-little-girl.html
• Play learn and grow together. Retrived from http://ourlittlesmarties.com/2010/12/meet-the-teachers/
• Parent, teacher & child. Retrived from http://highergrade.ca/resources/parent-resources/effective-parent-teacher-
conference/
• Three teachers planning. Retrived from http://www.cpblakely.ca/News.php?news_id=1707
• Group of teachers in workshop. Retrived from http://www.radiuscentre.com/workplace-workshops.php
• What are we doing now schedule. Retrived from http://www.preschoolplaybook.com/2008/10/visual-
schedule.html
• Hands. Retrived from http://trailstoglory.webs.com/
• Cushioned table corner. Retrived from http://www.safecareireland.com/products/product/c/safety-cushions-
pads/p/table-corner-cushion.html
• Resource teacher. Retrived from http://woman.thenest.com/special-education-resource-teacher-duties-1577.html
• ECE holding hands with children. Retrived from http://www.cotr.bc.ca/ECE/
• Brain with captions. http://www.ieaecell.org/epilepsy-03.html

45. Video References
• Understanding epilepsy. Retrived from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNQlq004FkE
http://youtu.be/MNQlq004FkE
• First aid for seizures. Retrived from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW4ThDRvzcE&feature=pl
ayer_embedded