Become Informed and Educated

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There are various topics you should know and understand before you approach your child’s school.

First, be well versed on your child’s food allergy. 

As the parent of a child with food allergy, it is critical that you know the following:

  • The foods he or she must avoid.
  • The signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction.
  • The ways your child might describe an allergic reaction.
  • The role of epinephrine in treatment.
  • The correct way to use an epinephrine auto-injectable device, if one has been prescribed.

The best way to learn this information is to talk with a board-certified allergist. You can easily locate an allergist near you through the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) website, www.aaaai.org.

Second, learn how schools generally manage students with food allergy.

Reading Anaphylaxis in Schools and Other Child-Care Settings, a position statement from AAAAI, is a helpful initial step. You also can review statewide food allergy management guidelines that have been published by a number of states, perhaps including yours. Appendix 1 cites these and other resources where you can find information to help you set reasonable expectations for managing your child’s food allergies at school.

Third, find out as much as you can about your school’s approach to food allergy management.

Because food allergy has become such an emerging health issue, especially among children, many schools have already adopted and implemented food allergy management strategies. A good starting point for the inquiry is a local food allergy support group, where you can connect with parents whose children attend schools in your local area. FAAN recognizes more than 170 such groups across the United States (with dozens more pending). Support groups generally hold regular meetings, have a medical advisor (usually a local allergist), and are knowledgeable about area schools and their food allergy management policies. Support groups are also a great way to compare notes and share tips with other parents in your area.

Finally, understand that the individual needs of students with food allergy may differ according to age.

Some of the management strategies in this document may be more appropriate at the elementary school level as opposed to the high school level, when students become more independent. For example, students in high school may not need to sit at a designated table in the cafeteria, and may not need to be reminded about the potential danger of sharing or trading food.