School

Studying can be a busy time of life for young people – with classes to attend, assignments to complete and exams to prepare for.

Pace yourself

• Take regular breaks
• Pacing is something that you should do on both good and bad days

Prioritise

• “What do I really have to get done today?”
• Do the things that are most important
• Skip the things that aren’t or leave for another day
• Conserve energy, don’t over-do it
• Be kind to yourself—re adjust your expectations

People

• Tell your friends, family and/or teachers if you are having a bad day
• People around you can support you in many ways, e.g. help you to relax, distract you from the pain, and provide you with work missed

• Talk to teachers – tell them about your condition and help them understand some of the challenges you might face
• Transport - Get dropped off as close to the school as possible or get a lift with a friend
• Take the lift instead of the stairs
• Sit rather than stand or a mix of both Take regular breaks and stretch
• Using technology - A laptop or iPad can help hand and wrist pain
• Avoid heavy lifting – ask if there are lockers at your school
• Ask about having all your classes near each other or on the same level
• If you use a wheelchair talk to your school about having all your lessons in a wheelchair accessible classroom and close together

If you need to have time out of school for hospital appointments or treatment:

• Talk to your teacher by phone or email about how they can provide work for you at home or in hospital
• Keep in touch with your school. Good communication is always important, but especially if you need time off school
• Ask your doctor, therapist or nurse to write to your school about how you’re doing
• Contact Bright Futures UK - Dedicated charity working to support young people who have missed school due their medical condition. They offer group workshops, 1:1 mentoring and tutoring in person or online.
   

“Literally within 6 months of starting sixth form, I had the biggest flare up I’ve ever had and my mum was doing everything for me. The fact that I had been honest about my condition with the school and that support was in place from day one meant that everything happened a lot quicker.”

Clare, diagnosed with JIA aged 13 years

“I was fortunate that my form tutor was understanding and I could confide in them. If you’re unsure about telling all of your teachers, find one member of staff who will help you out and back you up discreetly.”

Jeremy, diagnosed with JIA aged 9 years

Direct tel: 020 3447 9215

Switchboard: 020 3456 7890

University College London Hospital Adolescent Rheumatology Clinic
3^rd Floor Central, 250 Euston Road London NW1 2PQ

Email: uclh.rheumatology@nhs.net

• Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis
• Versus Arthritis 
• Bright Futures UK

UCLH cannot accept responsibility for information provided by external organisations.