{"id":5946,"date":"2021-10-19T16:03:38","date_gmt":"2021-10-19T16:03:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/?p=5946"},"modified":"2025-08-14T14:22:55","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T14:22:55","slug":"finding-your-path-back-to-school-for-tsw-warriors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/2021\/10\/19\/finding-your-path-back-to-school-for-tsw-warriors\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding Your Path ~ Back to School for TSW Warriors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_one_full-15d750bd1b332b34c6e70b077ebbccdf\">\n.flex_column.av-av_one_full-15d750bd1b332b34c6e70b077ebbccdf{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-av_one_full-15d750bd1b332b34c6e70b077ebbccdf av_one_full  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_three_fourth  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-e2053a15a7c8e3aabd5aadb638d2f469\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-e2053a15a7c8e3aabd5aadb638d2f469{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-e2053a15a7c8e3aabd5aadb638d2f469 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-e2053a15a7c8e3aabd5aadb638d2f469 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-e2053a15a7c8e3aabd5aadb638d2f469 av-special-heading-h3  avia-builder-el-1  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Finding Your Path ~ Back to School for TSW Warriors<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_three_fourth-15d750bd1b332b34c6e70b077ebbccdf\">\n.flex_column.av-av_three_fourth-15d750bd1b332b34c6e70b077ebbccdf{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-av_three_fourth-15d750bd1b332b34c6e70b077ebbccdf av_three_fourth  avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_one_fourth  first flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  column-top-margin'     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-2de302bf1aa3cf4c9157dbe6f50ac7eb '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Back to school during Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome can be so much better when you know that you will be understood, you will be safe, you will find support when you need it and opportunities to learn and grow in new and brave ways. I mean this for your child in TSW. I mean this for you. Whether it is your first back to school in TSW, or if it is like ours, your fifth, each warrior is on their own unique path towards healing and thriving. Wherever you are as back to school approaches this year, or if you have already started, know that it is ok to be different as you identify your strengths, and advocate for your health and learning needs.<\/p>\n<p>Five years ago, when my son Max was 15 months TSW, and about to start Kindergarten, I so wanted him to be part of the familiar path his classmates would be on. I didn\u2019t know up to the start of school, if he should be home-schooled or not, with the intensity of his TSW symptoms. His school team was incredible but his first day was heartbreaking. The severity of the nerve and itch episode hurt emotionally and physically. Max was only able to attend Kindergarten in the afternoons due to exhaustion and pain from skin setbacks after scratching arms and legs at school. I was called into the nurse\u2019s office each day (a plan we were grateful to have with the school though it meant deep stretching on one income), and Max would come home after the nerve pain and itch episode to sleep and recover. It was our attempt to stay on the same path as others, but it wasn\u2019t the right route for us then.<\/p>\n<p>We took Max out of school in January 2016, and kept him home to rest and heal. He spent months on the couch. Anything that dilated his blood vessels (fatigue, heat, stress, digestion, fragrance), would trigger nerve pain and itch. Those different, not school days, allowed his healing needs to lead the way. He could sleep in after a night of being up. We could bundle up on a good afternoon and drive to the beach to explore rocks. The right path meant trusting that what felt like loss would lead to gain. Max attended first grade full time. I was on call for the intense and almost daily nerve pain and itch episodes, but he would return to class afterwards. Each school year brought more healing and learning. Max will soon start his fourth grade year and he loves school. We have seen so many gains each new school year and will share how we planned and persevered!<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Planning \u2013 Know Your Rights<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is an important legal right for your child. Section 504 requires that public K-12 schools provide a free appropriate education (FAPE), to students who qualify due to a physical or mental impairment. If your child attends a school that receives federal funding they have the right to reasonable accommodations developed between the school, student and family in the form of a 504 plan. Meeting and speaking with your child\u2019s educational team can feel overwhelming at first. Each year I try to prepare a written summary prior to the meeting. Having notes helps keep me on track during meetings when I have been nervous, exhausted, or felt emotional to review our health journey with new team members.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reach out to your school\u2019s guidance counselor and\/or IEP coordinator with a request in writing to meet with your child\u2019s teacher, school nurse and principal. Explain that you would like your child to be evaluated under Section 504.<\/li>\n<li>Consider reaching out 1-2 weeks before the start of each new school year.<\/li>\n<li>Prepare a written summary of your child\u2019s health history, include current health issues: how are days and nights?<\/li>\n<li>Bring a copy of office notes and records from recent medical appointments if you feel that they appropriately represent your child\u2019s health condition.<\/li>\n<li>Print information related to TSW to share with the team. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find resources <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/for-parent-caregivers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here.<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Bring photos of your child in the beginning stages of TSW and the most recent photos of areas where healing is still occurring.<\/li>\n<li>Include your child in the process before the meeting by asking for their thoughts about going back to school and documenting their response.<\/li>\n<li>Develop a draft of accommodations you anticipate your child might need. (See below for examples).<\/li>\n<li>Consider and document your child\u2019s strengths and your hopes for this school year.<\/li>\n<li>Keep breathing \u2013 it will be ok!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Additional thoughts: My son Max has many food, environmental and drug allergies so I request the meeting each year to develop his Health Plan and because TSW has been an ongoing physical health condition, I also request a 504 Plan to develop classroom accommodations to support his specific physical needs. In the past I have brought a laptop computer to share pictures of Max. It is important to me that his team has a visual for areas still healing, such as his calves and feet, as the school nurse may be the only school provider to see these healing areas during the school year.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The 504 Plan Meeting \u2013 Getting to Know Your Warrior<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Remember that you are likely not the first family your school has worked with dealing with a unique health issue. Great educators are open to learning and taking on new challenges in order to expand their skills and understanding. Your child\u2019s educational team is there to help support you all in finding ways for your child to be successful in school.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Thank your child\u2019s team for the opportunity to meet.<\/li>\n<li>Inform the team that you have brought information to share about your child\u2019s medical condition. Share a few words about your child\u2019s strengths. Summarize your child\u2019s health history and current health needs. Share photos of healing areas that may impact your child during the school day. Provide information about TSW. Share a copy of or read the thoughts and\/or concerns your child has expressed about the school year.<\/li>\n<li>Discuss accommodations that may support your child accessing their education as they heal. For example, attending a partial school day if they are in need of additional time to rest\/sleep\/heal. Permission to wear comfy footwear for gym. Parent supplying cotton sheets to be used on the cot in the nurse\u2019s office during a nerve pain and itch episode.<\/li>\n<li>Ask any questions including: What is the daily schedule? How many transitions do students have between classrooms and the building on a typical day? Discuss transportation planning including field trips.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Federal funds do not cover accommodations determined during a 504 Plan. Schools are required to cover the costs of reasonable accommodations through their own funds. Students and families are not required to cover the costs but being open to collaborating has been effective in our experience. We have donated a fan and provided supplies specific to Max\u2019s needs when he has been in the nurse\u2019s office. The school has provided a classroom with air conditioning when there was need and has offered a portable AC unit. Ongoing communication and planning with school providers has been excellent. The school went fragrance free in 2015 and it made such a difference.<\/p>\n<p>Each year Max\u2019s educational team has helped develop a 504 plan that reflects his current health needs. For example, his school nurse summarized:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHealth Concern: Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW): causes skin to be red, burning, painful, intense itching, rashes, swelling and flaking skin. Thermoregulation altered. Fatigue and Insomnia.<\/p>\n<p>Accommodation\/Intervention: When student is having an episode related to his TSW, he will have intense itching, pain and burning. Triggers may be emotional upset and physical activity at recess or PE, and feeling too hot or too cold. Student will stop activity as needed and will be allowed to take a break in a cooler space such as the RN office. Student will have liberal access to the nurse\u2019s bathroom. Student may eat lunch in a quiet space, such as the RN office as needed. Sitting on the carpet can be difficult for student because of dust mite allergy and pain related to skin integrity. Student will have a chair in the classroom when needed. Student\u2019s parent will be called during an episode, based on intensity and RN assessment, to assist student at school as needed or to take student home if appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The school included a Safe Scratch Plan with words of encouragement like, \u201cGentle rubs. This will get better. You are doing great. Let\u2019s think about the next fun thing we are going to do.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The school nurse included a chart in Max\u2019s Healthcare Plan to differentiate level of need and level of response between a \u201cMild episode of pruritus (itching) related to TSW\u201d and a \u201cSevere episode of pruritus.\u201d Every team member including substitute teachers received a copy of his 504\/Health Plan and it became the \u201cblueprint\u201d for our path.<\/p>\n<p>You will find your path and you will persevere!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Back to School Words From Max (age 9) \u2013 To Your TSW Warrior<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Max: Remember everything\u2019s going to be ok. If you\u2019re nervous, take a moment and then start. Focusing on a good thing and if you\u2019re worrying about something, like that already happened or that\u2019s coming, you can focus on what\u2019s happening now. Deep breaths. And sometimes when I\u2019m at recess I do yoga stretches. When you\u2019re dealing with the itches you can just think helpful thoughts, maybe pull back for a sec, take a deep breath, maybe use the bathroom, try to lighten your itch, feel like a cloud, cause clouds are too fluffy to hurt themselves.<\/p>\n<p>What has improved since you started your first back to school in TSW?<\/p>\n<p>Max: Whoa, I don\u2019t break my skin. I don\u2019t need to put Vaseline on before going into the tub. I used to itch really hard and start to bleed, but now I barely itch at all and I barely break a scab.<\/p>\n<p>How has going back to school been during TSW?<\/p>\n<p>Max: Well, I mean I have to thank it to my classmates, they\u2019re so helpful with their understanding. In Kindergarten someone would always walk me down (to the nurse\u2019s office), ask me if I was ok? Everybody would ask the teacher if they could walk me down, they always wanted to\u2026that was sort of funny. Now I can go down (to the nurse\u2019s office) independently. Normally, put pressure and walk, sometimes run if it really itches, but I always slow down and take a deep breath so that my body doesn\u2019t go too hyper and make everything more itchy than it is supposed to be.<\/p>\n<p>What has been helpful that your teachers have done?<\/p>\n<p>Max: My teachers, if it is my arms they\u2019d give me pressure and they\u2019d tell me I could go down (to the nurse\u2019s office) if I was itchy. They\u2019d always be aware of what I was doing, like if I was beginning to get itchy, I would raise my hand, the teacher would look at me and point to the door. Itchy permission slip.<\/p>\n<p>What has been helpful from your nurse?<\/p>\n<p>Max: My nurse is always&#8230;I\u2019d ask for a washcloth and he\u2019d always make it cold, that\u2019s how I like my washcloths. He\u2019d always tell me about something recent in science that I can listen to or a cool discovery that NASA has achieved or even some flashcards. I even got to see a trailer of a movie once.<\/p>\n<p>What has been helpful from your guidance counselor?<\/p>\n<p>Max: She always says have a good day. She is cheerful.<\/p>\n<p>What has been helpful from your Specials teachers?<\/p>\n<p>Max: They always say I can go get a drink of water or go down to the nurse\u2019s office. My gym teacher will always give me a positive answer and say I can go down to the nurse\u2019s office and if I come back before the Special ends he\u2019s always happy.<\/p>\n<p>What has been helpful from your principal?<\/p>\n<p>Max: My principal always understands what\u2019s happening, she always waves and smiles. She gives me a thumbs up when I come out after itches. And every morning if I walk past her she\u2019ll always wave and say, \u201cHave a good day.\u201d And when I tell her I haven\u2019t had any itches all day she jumps and does a little Wooo-hooo!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Last words of advice for kids going back to school for the FIRST time in TSW?<\/p>\n<p>Max: Never think about something bad, always think positive.<\/p>\n<p>_______________________________________________________<\/p>\n<p><em>Jolene MacDonald, ITSAN Executive Assistant<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Illustration by Max Duffy<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Last updated: Aug 20, 2019<\/p>\n<p>Sources:<\/p>\n<p>Francoeur, Esq, Laurel. <em>How to Advocate for your Food Allergic Child<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Jacqueline, Ilana. <em>Surviving and Thriving with an Invisible Chronic Illness<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_one_fourth-c8fc129dc35fd1ae2a1e410224d39ea8\">\n.flex_column.av-av_one_fourth-c8fc129dc35fd1ae2a1e410224d39ea8{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-av_one_fourth-c8fc129dc35fd1ae2a1e410224d39ea8 av_one_fourth  avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_three_fourth  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  column-top-margin'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_image-67e32786076050f33f4deb43ff10ee45\">\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-67e32786076050f33f4deb43ff10ee45 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-av_image-67e32786076050f33f4deb43ff10ee45 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-av_image-67e32786076050f33f4deb43ff10ee45 av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-5  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-5948 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-5948 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/sfsdf.png\" alt='' title=''  height=\"594\" width=\"442\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/sfsdf.png 442w, https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/sfsdf-223x300.png 223w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Back to school in Topical Steroid Withdrawal can be so much better when you know that you will be understood, you will be safe, you will find support\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5949,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5946","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5946","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5946"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5946\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5951,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5946\/revisions\/5951"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5946"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5946"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itsan.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5946"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}