Teachers can be great allies in keeping your child with neurofibromatosis 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. My child may have significant problems with self-esteem. Please help him have positive interactions with classmates.
2. My child may need some help with learning disabilities and organizational difficulties.
3. It's okay to let my child's classmates know about her condition as long as it is done in an appropriate way. I'd be happy to help prepare a program.
4. My child has a serious health condition, but he is still a child with ordinary interests and hope and dreams -- please help us keep his life as normal as possible.
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.
Printouts to Share with Teachers
Educating the Child with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Source: The National Neurofibromatisos Foundation, Inc.
Neurofibromatosis Type One: A Guide for Educators
Source: Children's Tumor Foundation
Fact Sheet: The Neurofibromatoses
Source: March of Dimes
Fact Sheet: Learning Disabilities
Source: Washington University NF Center
Neurofibromatosis Fact Sheet
Source: Southwest/West Central Service Cooperative
