Narcolepsy EAP/504 Accomodations

k1p1ssk, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2021

I think it really depends on the student's presentation! Narcolepsy has varying degrees of severity and types, so the 504/EAP would likely need to be super specific.

For example, I have a friend who technically has narcolepsy, but it is not the "drop" narcolepsy lay people tend to think of. I think it is actually called cataplexy. Hers is almost like a seizure where if she gets over stimulated (for example, she when she is laughing very hard) she will get kinda "stuck" in the laughter. She then needs to remove herself from the situation, generally with help as it is a loss of muscle tone that causes the symptoms and calm down, which can take up to 30minutes. She rarely loses consciousness during these episodes, and she can usually walk by herself or at the very least with someone guiding her. Sometimes she needs to take a nap afterwards.

The 504 for my friend would look very different than the 504 for a student with that "classic" fall down asleep type of narcolepsy. I'd find out as much info about the student before sitting down to write accomodations! Wish I could be more helpful!

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2021

2 hours ago, k1p1ssk said:

The 504 for my friend would look very different than the 504 for a student with that "classic" fall down asleep type of narcolepsy. I'd find out as much info about the student before sitting down to write accomodations! Wish I could be more helpful!

I'd do the same as well. How old is the student? Knowing that and how the student presents is super helpful for an approach of what to do when it happens. Then craft the plan for classroom accommodations and testing accommodations (I'm thinking a stop-the-clock testing at the very least applies here).