Receiving a diagnosis of Dravet syndrome can be overwhelming and may leave a family with many unanswered questions. Much of the general information you will find may be seriously out of date, based on studies done on people who were diagnosed clinically at an older age and who did not have the benefits of therapeutic interventions and knowledge that we have available today. Because Dravet syndrome is a rare disease, many medical professionals may not be as familiar with the disease as you will become and we often hear of parents “educating” the professionals. We encourage you to learn all you can to make sure your child is on the right medications and receiving appropriate therapies to guarantee the best outcome. Life is difficult with Dravet syndrome, but there is HOPE.
Below are suggestions from families of things that they wished they would have known to do or to sign up for after receiving a diagnosis.
- Connect with other Dravet families to hear about their personal experiences and to get advice. A great way to connect with other families is through our private Facebook Support Group.
- Make sure to have literature that explains more about Dravet syndrome and related epilepsies when meeting with therapists, teachers, and other professionals who will care for your child. You can order free brochures from DSF here or print them here.
- Learn about the Birth to Three Program or other early intervention program where you live. This program will provide a developmental screening and assessment and will offer therapies, early education programs, as well as parent education and support.
- In the US, enroll your child in your state’s PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) list through the local Department of Family & Children Services.
- In the US, educate yourself on the Home & Community-Based Waiver (Katie Beckett waiver) program and other services that are available for your child in your state. The HCBW is a federal waiver that is intended for children from birth to eighteen years of age with a chronic disability. It entitles children to Medicaid who would not otherwise qualify due to their parent’s financial status. It was originally intended for children at risk of institutionalization, but is also for children that have lifelong medical needs. Each state sets their own criteria on how they will administer the program, therefore it varies greatly state to state and most states have a wait list. Programs in some states offer respite care and/or funding for home modifications. You can find out about the program in your state and how to enroll by contacting your local Department of Family & Children Services.
- If possible, see a neurologist who is an expert in Dravet syndrome. Even if they are not your primary neurologist, they can work in tandem with your local neurologist to establish a protocol that deals with the intricacies of this syndrome and how it impacts your child.
- Work with your neurologist on a written emergency protocol for your child in the event of a seizure. Make sure copies are kept with the child when they are away from you, such as at school or when visiting with relatives. Here is an example of an emergency protocol.
- Put together an emergency kit of your child’s medications, along with dosage information, that can be easily grabbed for an unexpected hospital stay or in the event of a natural disaster.
- Look at equipment that may help lower your child’s seizure threshold in certain situations, as well as equipment which allow you to monitor and keep them safe. Items that families have found helpful include: cooling vests for summer heat; specially tinted glasses for photosensitivity; seizure monitors; pulse oximeters; adaptive strollers; and closed-circuit cameras in the child’s bedroom. DSF offers Patient Assistance Grants for many of these items. Click here to learn more.
If you have a suggestion to add to this list, please email info@dravetfoundation.org