Irish children who suffer from epilepsy are being discriminated against on a daily basis, according to a revealing new study by Dublin City University’s school of Nursing and Human Science.
As part of the project, entitled Talking About Epilepsy, researchers met with 40 parents of 33 children aged between six and sixteen who suffer from the condition, which causes recurring seizures.
Many of the parents recounted incidences of discrimination against their children, with one little boy ordered to wear a helmet in the school yard and a teenager, who had been cleared to take part in PE by her doctor, prevented from doing so by a principal who feared she would suffer a seizure and injure herself.
Difficulties in concentrating and high levels of medication-related fatigue were also among the issues faced by children with epilepsy, many of whom had poor attendance.
Speaking to the Sunday Independent, the Department of Education confirmed that “discrimination in relation to a student with a particular medical condition, including epilepsy, is banned under the Equal Status Acts”.
A spokesperson added: “Schools should plan for the inclusion and education of all children with special needs and vulnerable conditions in consultation with parents and if required, may seek assistance from the National Council for Special Education, National Education Psychological Service and Special Education Support Service.”
Research carried out by Epilepsy Ireland in 2009 found that there are 37,000 (one in every 115) people with epilepsy in this country and that this number may be increasing. For many people, the condition may only affect them for a short period in their lives and can be controlled by medication, or in some instances, surgery.
