Teachers can be great allies in keeping your child with Prader-Willi 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. My child will overeat excessively if not monitored. Please do not allow her to eat without supervision, or leave her alone with food. This is a medical issue, not a behavioral one.
2. My child can participate in special events that involve food treats, but let me know in advance so I can adjust his meals at home.
3. It's okay to let my child's classmates know about her condition as long as it's done respectfully; I'd be happy to prepare a program.
4. My child is an individual, not a diagnosis -- please be alert and receptive to the things that make him unique and special.
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
Supporting the Student Who Has Prader-Willi Syndrome
Source: Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA)
Young Students with Prader-Willi Syndrome -- Preschool Years
Source: Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA)
Students with Prader-Willi Syndrome -- An Overview
Source: Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA)
Prader-Willi Syndrome Information Sheet
Source: Monash University, Victoria, Australia
Educating the Child with Prader-Willi Syndrome
Source: The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (UK)
