Allergies at the Middle and High School Levels

Coping with Allergens in the Junior and Senior Education Setting

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Aug 15, 2009 Stella Walsh

Even though young people are more independent at the middle and high school levels, allergic teens still need special considerations in these settings.

The middle and high school settings are different from elementary school in several ways. Students are older and more independent, generally taking more responsibility for their own safety. The allergic teen is also on the move more, being less confined to a single classroom with one main teacher.

Even though students at this level do not usually like to be labeled as different, it is important for the allergy to be discussed openly with the appropriate people. The more people who are aware of the situation, the more help there will be in the event of an allergic attack.

The Allergic Teen in Middle or High School

There are many proactive things that the allergic teen can do to stay safe:

• The allergic teen, along with a parent or guardian, should request a meeting with the administration and all staff involved with the student before school starts. An emergency medical plan, medications and procedures should be discussed.
• It is important to carry some form of medical identification and any medication at all times.
• Before any field trips the allergic teen and a parent should have a discussion with the teacher regarding an emergency plan, medications and any special accommodations.
• If the allergic student suspects that something in the environment is an allergen, she should see her physician and then ask for a meeting with a parent and the school administration and staff to discuss the findings.
• The allergic teen can set up a "buddy" system with one or more close friends. These friends will know where medication is kept and what procedure to follow in case of an allergic attack.

Administration and Staff of an Allergic Teen in Middle or High School

Even though the allergic teen is more independent in dealing with an allergy, the school administration and staff still have a role to play in creating a safe environment:

• The administration should ensure that all staff, substitute staff, monitors, assistants and bus drivers are aware of the allergic student’s situation and plan. The bus driver should have a way to call in an emergency if needed.
• It should be ensured that all follow-up meetings are accommodated as required. Routine reviews of the situation will need to be scheduled regularly.
• The administration should be familiar with any district policies that are required to be in place.
• Proper and regular cleaning of the school environment needs to be in place and monitored.
• If the allergic teen has a "buddy," the administration can arrange to have her placed in the same classes as the allergic student as much as possible.
• Food labeling and other policies in the cafeteria should be monitored on a regular basis.
• All food and materials used in activities with the allergic teen should be allergen-free.
• All students and staff should be educated about the seriousness of allergies and what is involved.

When the school administration and staff work together with the allergic teen and her family the school environment can be a safe place. A higher level of independence does not mean that the allergic student does not need supports.

Read more at Suite101: Allergies at the Middle and High School Levels: Coping with Allergens in the Junior and Senior Education Setting http://allergies.suite101.com/article.cfm/allergies_at_the_middle_and_high_school_level#ixzz0ox5OsxpU