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Many young people with M.E. are unable to keep up with their schoolwork because they feel too ill.
It is more important at this time to focus your energy on your recovery. Feeling anxious about missing exams or course work will only make your symptoms worse. Even more risky, you may be tempted to try to do too much too soon which could bring on a relapse.
It's important that you don't get anxious and instead call on all the support that is there to help you. Remember not to push yourself too far. You must not expect to be able to do the same amount of work that you did before you were ill. Using your brain to think about schoolwork and using your muscles to use the computer or write is tiring and uses up more energy than you might think.
It's important to pace yourself when you work, which means only looking at the computer for a short amount of time, then taking a break (go and lie or sit down, close your eyes and rest your brain). You can then come back to the computer later. If you manage your work this way you will be able to achieve more than trying to work for the whole day then having to rest for the next couple of days as you recover from the exertion.
It's important that all your teachers understand how your illness affects you - how the illness fluctuates, how your energy levels change, the importance of rest. These are all unique to your illness and your teachers will not necessarily understand or have experienced.
What should you do if your school is not supportive?
Most schools are really supportive when their pupils are ill. However, we also know that some schools, for differing reasons, just don't give you the support you need. Your parents/ carers could contact the senior member of staff responsible for the overall policy for education for children with medical needs. This could help smooth over any future problems.
If you experience further problems with your school contact your Local Education Authority (LEA) (details in yellow pages). They are responsible for ensuring that you get the education and support that you are entitled to. At this stage an education welfare officer or education social worker may become involved. Work closely with them to resolve any issues before they become any bigger.
For local support contact your Parent Partnership Scheme (contact details from your LEA or yellow pages). This national service, with regional bases can help your parents by offering advice, information and support on such things as; who to talk to in school about concerns; how a child is assessed and helped in school and what happens during statutory assessment.
Find out more about 'Your rights and education' and about what the government says you are entitled to.
If you would like more information and support contact any of these education organisations. They are there to help you and your family/ carers cope with this frustrating time and to make sure you get the education support you are entitled to. It is important to remember though, nobody understands your illness like you do, so do not be pushed into doing work that you feel would harm your recovery.
Information produced February 2004
