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You Are Not Alone - Toolkit for Parents of Teens with Epilepsy
You Are Not Alone is a toolkit developed specifically for parents of teens who have epilepsy. Parents know that the transition from childhood into adulthood often includes emotional, psychological, and social challenges for any teen. But a teen with epilepsy, especially when newly diagnosed, may have additional anxiety and confusion due to epilepsy's complexity and unpredictability. When other people (including teachers, other children, and other parents) do not understand or are afraid of this teen who may appear different, a communication barrier can develop, creating further misunderstanding, isolation, and discouragement. Parents can play an important role in preventing this. When their children with epilepsy become teenagers, they can encourage and assist them in taking responsibility for themselves, while at the same time helping them accept the limitations on their freedom and choices that may be necessitated by the seizure disorder. The materials in this toolkit are designed to support this effort.

Print Materials

Parent's Letter
Letter describing kit material from a parent of a teen with epilepsy.

Facilitator's Guide
Strategies and suggestions for use of kit materials by facilitators of Support Groups.

Parent's Guide
Strategies and suggestions for use of kit materials by parents.

"Reach Out" Brochure
The stress of parenting a teen with epilepsy affects the whole family, including one's marital relationship and relationships with other children.  This brochure includes tips and strategies on how to keep one's self, one's marriage, and one's relationships with other children healthy.

"Reach Out" Resource Guide
The Resource Guide includes a list of parenting resources as well as family support groups throughout the country and sources of relevant and useful information.

PDF iconStationery (PDF – 181K)
A set of preprinted sheets that can be used by parents and professionals to write messages to teachers, neighbors, coaches, employers or other adults who come into contact with their teen.  The information on seizure first aid at the bottom of each page provides an opportunity to educate the reader about the appropriate response to a seizure. Each sheet carries a different parent quote that advocates for the teen and helps to sensitize and educate the reader.

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Multimedia Files

Audio
 Streaming Audio Format. You will need RealPlayer® to listen to this file.

  • "Rewind" Audio—An audio disc that allows parents to overhear three typical parent-teen conversations, and then hear them again from a teen perspective.
     
  • "Rewind" Transcript

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Video
 You will need Real Player® to view this video.

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One or more documents on this Web page is available in Portable Document Format (PDF). You will need Acrobat Reader to view and print these documents.

Date last modified: 03/15/2006
Date last reviewed: 03/15/2006
Content source: Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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