Childhood MS is rare, but both children and teenagers can be diagnosed with it. Young people face particular challenges living with a long-term condition. This section, for parents, covers the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of childhood MS. It discusses what effects there can be on the child, the family and school life, and explains the support available for parents and young people.

» What is childhood MS?

 

» What are the possible causes of childhood MS?

• Genes
• 'Environmental' issues

 

» How is childhood MS diagnosed?

• Why does it take so long?
• Diagnostic tests
• Telling your child

 

» How could MS affect my child?

• Types of MS
• Symptoms
• What does the future hold?

 

» Treating and managing childhood MS

• Children in control
• Steroid therapy
• Disease modifying drugs
• Physiotherapy and exercise
• Complementary therapies
• Healthy eating
• Managing mood changes and depression

 

» Cognitive issues - memory and thinking

• What is cognition?
• Managing cognitive issues
• Memory tips

 

» Childhood MS and the family

• Discussing MS within the family
  
• Explaining things to siblings
  
• Practical suggestions for explaining MS to other children

 

» Teenagers and MS

• Learning to drive


• Cigarettes, alcohol and drugs


• Relationships and sex


• Taking care of yourselves as parents

 

» School, college and university

• What issues might face my child in school?
• Fatigue
• Bullying
• Taking medication in school

 

» Getting the best from health and social care services

• Who is involved in your child's care?
• Respite care and short-term breaks

 

» Financial matters - benefits and grants

• Finances
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA
• Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
• Family Fund
• MS Society grants

 

» Further reading and useful organisations

• Further reading and resources
• Useful organisations