Perception and Education

So many things in life are about perception and education. Seizures come in many different varieties.  Some are unmistakable as your body will have convulsions while others are mild and may or may not even be noticed by others. After watching the newscast about the dog, I wondered if parents would inform their children about seizures and epilepsy.  If you were told a person with epilepsy would be attending your class or children's class, how would you discuss the topic with your child or friends?  Would you discuss it at all?  Do you as a parent or friend know about safety precautions and behavioral changes during or after a seizure occurs? Many people are too embarrassed to ask questions and many people are too embarrassed to answer.  Unfortunately, this includes the people with epilepsy.

To me, with over 3 million people who suffer from this disorder, it would not be unconscionable to ask a professional or a person with epilepsy to educate others.  Lets not be afraid to open this important discussion. Our society needs to be aware. This knowledge would not only be beneficial, but also think of the gift someone could offer by recognizing symptoms and taking responsible action, keeping all parties safe. Sadly, I had to have a seizure before I knew what one was.  Perception and education is a wonderful concept.  It just needs to be implemented!

Seizure Dog Controversy

What inspired me to get this blog up and running was a recent story on the news last week.  A twelve year old boy in Virginia, who can potentially have up to 20 seizures a day, is not allowed to bring his seizure dog to school with him.  The question which looms in my mind is why this child is prevented from doing so.  The dog is ADA approved for seizure training and handling. It seems that the fight is over the state guidelines. The state's ruling is questionable because they are citing the child's ability to "handle" the dog. Is it that cut and dry?  Are the state's concerns only based on the ability of the dog and its handler?  Or is it possible the unspoken concern may be related to the fears of other students and parents in the community who don't understand the need for the dog and its special abilities?

There are only two viable concerns I see for parents: that their child has a severe allergy to the dog; or that the dog may misbehave or cause their child harm. These dogs can react to the seizure with a loud bark, licking of their owner etc. However, if the school educated the teachers and students as to the behavior of the dog - it should not be an issue. These dogs have the ability to sense within minutes when a seizure may occur, alert them, and ultimately to keep their owners safe. In some instances, the dogs wear magnets that may help prevent the child from having a seizure. No human has that ability.  I feel for this child and hope he gets the education he deserves along with the acceptance from his community and state.

There is an interesting article in the Fall 2010 issue of the Epilepsy Advocate magazine relating to the studies of this very same issue.  Here are the links below:
 http://www.silobreaker.com/boy-cant-bring-service-dog-to-school-5_2264264981354643456

http://www.epilepsyadvocate.com/includes/pdf/EA_Magazine_Fall_2010.pdf

Anyone have a seizure dog or know someone that does?  If you can think of a reason why you would want to prevent a seizure dog from accompanying a child to school - please let me know.  I look forward to your viewpoints and feedback!