Review: Can I tell you about Epilepsy? - A guide for friends, family and professionals

This book is written from the perspective of three children who have epilepsy, but experience three different types of seizure. They describe their type of seizure –absence, focal or tonic clonic – how the seizure affects them physically and emotionally, and how they would like people to treat them when a seizure occurs.

Aimed at children from the age of seven upwards, this book is useful for those who have been newly diagnosed with epilepsy as well as their parents, friends and siblings. The book highlights the fact that every child’s epilepsy is different and will therefore affect them in different ways. The “matter of fact” tone makes it a great starting point in reassuring children who are anxious about their condition and will be useful in encouraging them to discuss how their seizures affect them personally and what helps them cope.

There is also a section for teachers that gives advice on the way epilepsy and medication can have an impact on learning, behaviour and communication. Tips on helping a child in the classroom aim to reassure children that their teachers understand some of the problems that they face and encourage them to see epilepsy as a condition that they have, rather than defining who they are.

Review by Nina Solomon, epilepsy nurse specialist, Young Epilepsy