Schools
If you are a student or teacher and would like further information on Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, please ring CCA on 1800 138 029.
Children and adolescents with IBD should be as active as they feel like being or are capable of being. If they feel well enough, there is no reason for them not to go to school or participate in sport.
Children with chronic diseases such as IBD tend to learn to accept a certain amount of pain and discomfort as 'normal' and just get on with it. They are the first to realise when it all becomes too much. Children should always be encouraged to go to school for educational and social purposes, even during disease flare-ups, although sometimes it may be best to respect their desire to stay home. Forcing a child to go to school, or allowing him/her to spend many days at home can both lead to tension within the family. A sound knowledge of their condition and good communication with your child can help you determine whether or not he or she is capable of attending school on any given day. When young people are responding positively they tend to enjoy the company of their peers as a distraction from their illness, so missing school can be a wake-up call for parents and the clinical team to take a more proactive or different approach to the management of their condition..
Clearly, there are special considerations for children with IBD when attending school. It's best to advise teachers and school administrators (including the school nurse) in advance about your child's condition. This can help explain absences from school, the need to take medications during school hours, any specific dietary requirements they may have and their possible inability to participate in certain activities from time to time. There may also be instances where your child needs extra support in terms of making up classwork or sitting exams outside of scheduled times. Establishing a good rapport with your child's teachers and school administrators can also help in implementing practical methods for dealing with the symptoms of IBD especially during disease flare-ups. For example, your child should always have immediate and unrestricted access to the nearest toilet facilities, including staff-only facilities if need be.
The above is an excerpt from"The Inside Story: A Toolkit for Living Well with IBD". The entire article can be found in the Member's Only section of the website.