School Absences & Fatigue

What you need to know

  • Children with CdLS often miss school. The syndrome can impact every system in the body - from their eyes, heart, stomach, etc.
  • When children are young, they may require various surgeries and a hospital stay.
  • As they get older, children use their hands and mouths to explore their environment and they are very susceptible to picking up bacteria and viruses. This can result in colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.
  • Sleep disturbances are common in children with CdLS.
    • Sleep problems may increase in severity as an individual with CdLS ages and/or at the onset of puberty
    • Since the children with CdLS begin their school years at age three, they may fatigue as any 3-year-old child would and require a short nap at school. 

What you can do

  • Washing hands and surfaces they are in contact with often can cut down on them contracting illness at home and school.
  • If there is a large outbreak of flu or other illness, parents may choose to keep their children at home until the threat passes.
  • If the child is showing fatigue at school, a shortened day may be considered until their stamina is increased.
    • Provide a rest or quiet time for student
  • Evaluate for Medical Causes of sleep problems
    • GERD
    • Obstructive Sleep Apnea