Hydrocephalus can have implications for learning including effects on: memory, concentration, spatial awareness, processing speed, organisational skills and behaviour.
With the incidence of hydrocephalus rising in the UK due to the increased survival of premature babies, many mainstream schools will, at some stage have a child with the condition amongst their pupils. If these concerns are recognised and appropriate/positive support plans put in place, children with hydrocephalus can enjoy their school years and fulfil their potential.
What is an education adviser?
The ASBAH education advisers provide advice and support to parents of children with hydrocephalus and to professionals working in education.
The advisers work with parents and educators on issues relating to coping techniques for school work, statementing, educational tribunals and strategies for dealing with challenging behaviour.
When do service users contact their education adviser?
Every individual and family has different needs, but there are a number of key stages when support from education advisers is often needed:
- Starting at nursery/school.
- Undergoing a statutory assessment for special education needs.
- When moving into or out of secondary education.
How do education advisers help service users?
Education advisers intervene at an early stage and provide the support the child needs as soon as possible to ensure they achieve their full potential.
In some cases children who experience difficulties in school need rapid, pro-active responses from education advisers to enable them to be supported effectively in school.
As parents become aware of their rights and have improved knowledge of special educational needs, they can push for better services from the educational system for their child.
Joanne Grenfell, Regional Educational Adviser said:
“Children and young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus have the right to get the most out of their school life. As an education adviser, it is fantastic to be able to use all the years of experience I have built up and share that with other professionals and parents so the full potential of children and young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus can be realised.”
