Helping Your Child Navigate POTS While at School

Navigating school life can be challenging for any child. But for those diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), the hurdles can be particularly daunting for both children and their parents.

POTS is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that often emerges during puberty. It causes symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, but it can be managed — and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Dr. Devyani Chowdhury and our team at Cardiology Care for Children partner with POTS families in Lancaster, Mifflinburg, and Strasburg, Pennsylvania, and Topeka, Indiana. We work with you to understand your child’s condition and create a support plan that fits their needs, so they can thrive in school and beyond.

Understanding POTS in the school environment

The human body’s autonomic nervous system regulates vital functions like blood pressure and heart rate. If you have POTS, your autonomic nervous system doesn't respond appropriately to changes in posture, like going from sitting to standing.

That means blood begins to pool in your lower body when you stand, leading to reduced blood flow to your brain. This can result in symptoms that interfere with a child's ability to participate fully in school activities, and the typical school setting can pose unique challenges for children with POTS.

Long periods of sitting or standing, especially during assemblies or lining up, can exacerbate blood pooling in the lower extremities, and cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. Physical exertion during gym class or walking across large campuses can also overwhelm a child’s system, triggering fatigue or rapid heart rate.

Noise and classroom temperature can also play a role. Loud spaces, like crowded hallways or cafeterias, can be overstimulating and further tax the autonomic nervous system. Warm rooms can make blood vessels dilate, making it harder for the body to regulate blood pressure effectively.

Mental strain is another factor. POTS often causes “brain fog,” and students may find it hard to concentrate or process information quickly. In high-pressure academic settings, this can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of frustration or embarrassment, especially if teachers and peers do not understand POTS.

The importance of collaborating with your child’s school

Open communication with your child’s teachers, school nurses, and administrators is essential. Providing them with information about POTS and your child's specific needs can foster a supportive environment where your child feels safe. Regular meetings to review and adjust accommodations help make sure that support remains effective as your child's needs evolve.

Implementing effective school accommodations for POTS

Recognizing the stressors your child may face at school is the first step toward creating a supportive educational experience. With appropriate accommodations, students with POTS can participate fully in their education and feel confident in their ability to succeed, and we’re here to help you advocate for the right accommodations.

A few changes that can make a big difference are:

A 504 Plan

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a 504 Plan can provide necessary accommodations to ensure your child receives a free and appropriate public education. This might include adjustments like extended time on tests, modified attendance policies, and permission for frequent breaks.

Classroom adjustments

A cooler learning environment, allowing access to water and salty snacks, providing a permanent bathroom pass, and permitting the use of elevators can all help manage POTS symptoms during the school day.

Flexible scheduling

Options like a reduced course load, altered start times, or partial school days can accommodate your child's energy levels and health needs.

Physical activity modifications

Incorporating alternative physical education activities, like recumbent exercises or gentle stretching, can help your child maintain fitness and participate in class without exacerbating their symptoms.

At Cardiology Care for Children, Dr. Chowdhury and our team are dedicated to helping children manage POTS effectively. We offer comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle modifications and medical management, to help your child thrive both in and out of school.

Our goal is to help you proactively address the challenges of POTS, so your child can navigate their school years with confidence and support. Contact us to learn more today.