Back to School W
ith return to school preparations underway, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland are aware that for children with CF and parents of children with CF this may be a particularly anxious time. Many children with CF have not been in school full time since March 2020. While home schooling ensured education continued, absence from the classroom may have resulted in the loss of some social skills and with COVID-19 restrictions and precautions in place some children may have developed anxiety about being in a crowded setting. If you feel your child could benefit from speaking to someone to help deal with their anxieties, CF have a counselling grant that you can avail of. For further information on this please contact Samantha Byrne, Senior Member Services Coordinator on 01 496 2433 ext. 201 or email sbyrne@cfireland.ie Aside from COVID-19, cystic fibrosis itself can play a part in anxiety returning to school. Children with CF may be more ‘noticeable’ in school because they may cough more often than others. In particular with the pandemic, this may be a cause of stress for your child. CFI would recommend talking to your child and to the teacher on how to best manage this. The teacher may wish to address this with the other children in the class, with the child’s and their Parent/guardians’ permission. For children who are transitioning from primary school to secondary school, there may be added worries. Adjusting to a new setting, potentially new classmates and a new schedule with longer hours can feel overwhelming. Unlike primary school, your child / children will have more than one teacher and as such it is important the school is aware of your child’s condition so allowances can be made for any additional supports that may be needed. Many schools would have excellent and well-established procedures for passing on information, but it is always worthwhile checking. As parents of children with CF you have learned to cater to your children’s needs. For many children / teenagers secondary school is the beginning of their independence. As a parent this can be an uncertain time as your child adjusts to a new setting while also taking control of their condition. Teachers can provide invaluable reassurance by making a special effort on a regular basis. PRACTICAL HELP In cases of advanced chronic lung damage and also during exacerbations, the level of lung function can drop significantly. Accessibility may become a permanent obstacle and concern for children with CF where climbing the stairs and walking long distances may become too tiresome. For example, an alternative to the use of stairs such as a lift or ramp should be in place where classrooms are located on second and third stories. Alternatively, arranging class time tables to ensure all classrooms are relatively close to each other can also help. Frequent coughing fits will occur, even when a child is in good health. Teachers should be understanding in allowing the student to access to cool drinking water in the event of such happening. There are often small ways to limit the amount of coughing by a student. These could include having suitable seating arrangements where they are away from open windows and radiators. Also, ensuring that the classroom is as clean as possible to prevent the accumulation of dust particles is a great way to limit the large amount of coughing. An allowance should also be made for frequent bathroom breaks for students with CF who may experience sickness from an upset stomach as a result of pancreatic insufficiency or related CF problems.
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Spectrum / Autumn 2021
