Teachers can be great allies in keeping your child with Angelman Syndrome safe and successful in school, but you'll need to make sure they have all the knowledge they need to help. Use these suggestions to create a information packet to bring educators up to speed.
Five Things Teachers Need to Know
1. Smiling and laughter are common features of my child's disability. If he does these things at inappropriate times, it is not disrespectful but involuntary.
2. My child can understand language better than she can speak it. Do not assume because her expressive language is delayed that she does not understand what is being said around her.
3. My child can't control his hyperactivity or inattentiveness. Punishment will not make it stop, but I'd be happy to help you develop some appropriate behavior modification to manage the problem.
4. It's possible that my child may have a seizure in your class. Please coordinate with the school nurse on how to handle that.
5. Please keep the lines of communication open between our home and the school. My child needs all the adults in her life working together.
Print-Outs to Share with Teachers
What Is Angelman Syndrome? The Facts
Source: Just for Jake
About Angelman Syndrome
Source: SEN Teacher
Education
Source: Angelman Syndrome Foundation
Angelman Syndrome
Source: National Association of Special Education Teachers
The Role of Occupational Therapy in the Life of a Person with Angelman Syndrome
Source: Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics
