Most of us know that one of the best ways to dispel the myths and stereotypes about epilepsy is to educate and inform the general public, both adults and children. Now sports stars as well as a world famous DJ have come together to present an informative and entertaining short video which offers information as well as essential first aid advice for dealing with seizures.

While I've always known it's important to use a child's interest as a foundation for teaching, I was amazed this morning as I watched this theory being put into practice.

Today was the first day of home-schooling my 12 year old son with autism. I was secretly worried that he would protest and refuse any activity I presented. Boy was I wrong!

Medications and side effects always come together. The most important goal is to control the seizures. If medication is prescribed, the goal must be to control the seizures with the fewest side effects possible! One must weigh the benefits of controlling seizures with the risks posed by side effects of anti-seizure medications. This is largely depend on how many seizures the child is having.

I do more dishes then should be allowed by law, so when deciding what skills to begin teaching my two sons, I took that into account. Not only did I have ample opportunity to teach them how to wash dishes, their eventual help would be quite welcome!

I had no idea it would take one year.

For those of you who haven’t seen the film 1998 ‘First Do No Harm’ starring Meryl Streep I warn you now, get your hankie ready before you watch this.

The film tells the story of a family’s struggle with their son Robbie’s epilepsy and a mother’s refusal to accept the abuse that the medical system foists upon them before it abandons Robbie.

When a family member suffers from a long-term illness it can have a tremendous impact on the rest of the household. In the case of children it can be particularly difficult for them to cope seeing their loved ones in pain or unwell, with feelings of being left on the side-lines or sadly that they are somehow to blame for their sibling’s illness.

My son was diagnosed with Gaustaut Syndrome this year and I was told he can not be helped. I want to talk to other moms with children with gaustaut syndrome and also anyone who has help on how to start organization for funding.

Thanks and good luck with your loved ones with epilepsy.

Shanae

I received an email today saying I should not feel guilty for lack of teaching specific skills to my son with autism. Why did they want me to know this? So I would buy their products of course!

Unfortunately for them I will not buy the product, and I won't buy into the manipulation of my emotions either. This article is to empower you to do the same.

Reality check: Yes, I feel guilty. I'll admit it.

Epilepsy experts and paediatric neurologists from around the world believe the ketogenic diet should be used more regularly as a treatment plan instead of a last resort.

One of the major issues explored in the 1998 film ‘First Do No Harm.’ Are certain members of the medical establishment’s blatant refusal to work with parents for the good of the child.

Instead they ride roughshod over the parent’s wishes, give people minimal information and dictate what must be done in the most draconian of terms backed up by the threat of a ‘bad parents’ label.