Schizophrenia in children is rare. But it does happen. When a child is diagnosed before the age of 13, they have what is called childhood-onset schizophrenia. If diagnosis occurs between 13 and 18 years old, it is called early-onset schizophrenia. Symptoms can be worse in kids than they are in adults. These symptoms can make doing well in school a challenge.1,2
However, the most common age of diagnosis is young adulthood, especially for men. This period begins in the late teenage years, when many young adults are heading to college. Navigating schizophrenia in college can be difficult. Even if a person was diagnosed as a child and did well in grade school, college is a new setting with different resources and responsibilities.3,4
Spotting schizophrenia early
In some cases, school can be a helpful setting to identify schizophrenia or other mental health conditions. The faster the symptoms of active schizophrenia – namely psychosis – are treated, the better the overall outcome will be.2,5
Teachers and school staff may play a valuable role in this process. They can spot behavioral changes and report them back to parents or school counselors quickly. This communication can speed up the process of diagnosis and treatment.2,5
But once a child is diagnosed, figuring out the best plan to manage it in school can be hard. Kids with schizophrenia may act out in class or need additional support. It takes a lot of teamwork between parents, teachers, and school administrators to figure out the best path forward.2,6
Common learning programs and plans
There are federal laws that protect students with disabilities or health issues like schizophrenia. Some of them require that schools provide special changes to the regular learning process so that kids with additional needs can perform well. These plans are free to families who qualify. Examples of plans that may be available to students with schizophrenia include the following.2
Individualized education program (IEP)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that grants many kids the right to an individualized education program, or IEP. IDEA ensures that kids with specific disabilities or learning differences have access to free and appropriate public school services that are tailored to their needs.2,7,8
An IEP is a legal document that ensures students’ supports are maintained. It outlines how the regular education plan will be changed for a specific student. Each child’s IEP will be different. Parts of an IEP may include changes in:2,7,8
- Graduation requirements
- Testing locations
- Number of breaks during the day
Children must meet specific criteria or have certain health issues to qualify for an IEP. An IEP may also help kids with learning differences have an in-depth educational assessment at no cost to the family.2,7,8
504 plan
A law called the Rehabilitation Act grants students who qualify the right to a 504 plan. A 504 plan is more general than an IEP. The criteria for qualifying are broader, too.2,7,8
Any child with a health issue or disability can request a 504 plan. These plans are legal documents that also ensure students’ supports are maintained. They focus on how a school will remove barriers for kids with extra needs. The goal is for all kids to have the same educational experience. A 504 plan may include specific steps the school, family, and child will take. But it is usually less formal than an IEP.2,7,8
Response to intervention (RTI) plan
A response to intervention (RTI) plan helps guide teachers and other school staff during times of emergency. This might be an action plan for if a child has an episode of psychosis or other hard-to-control schizophrenia symptoms during the school day.2,7,8
Communication is key
One of the best ways to help a child with schizophrenia succeed in school is constant and open communication. Parents, teachers, school staff, and the healthcare team all work together in this process.2,6
As a team, you will work together to create long-term plans that keep your child safe and doing well in school. This can include creating emergency action plans and deciding on what accommodations are reasonable and helpful.2,6
These conversations can start as soon as a child is diagnosed. They may even start sooner, once symptoms have begun. Once your child is diagnosed, you can share their goals with the school team so they can help with achieving them. This may be working on certain skills or managing emotions in specific ways.2
Treatment information is also important to share with school staff. Flag any side effects your child might be at risk for having. Depending on your child’s treatment plan, they may need to take some medicines at school. School nurses can safely give your child these treatments and can take part in monitoring symptoms.2
Schizophrenia in college
College can be an overwhelming transition for anyone. Whether your child is newly diagnosed or has been navigating schizophrenia for years, learning to do well in college can be tough.9
More adults with schizophrenia drop out of college than those without the condition. Academic pressure, social changes, and living away from family and healthcare support are all factors that may play a role in this decision.9
College-specific support services
IEPs and 504 plans do not carry over from grade school into college. The same laws do not apply. However, there are other laws that require colleges to make sure students have fair access to education and can succeed. One of the laws that protects this right is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).4,9
Each college should have an office dedicated to helping students with different needs. The exact features and requirements of these offices can vary. They may be called disability services, accessibility services, disability support services, or another name.4,9,10
No college can legally deny admittance solely on the basis of a disability or accessibility issue. They also cannot turn you away if you are diagnosed while in school, as long as you are able to complete coursework with reasonable accommodations.4,9,10
Services that college disability offices may offer include:4,9,10
- Access to note-takers
- Extra time on exams
- Extensions in deadlines
- Waivers to live alone in campus housing instead of with roommates
The exact support you are granted is based on your specific case. Parents may be involved in some of these discussions. But some colleges may prefer to work with the student and their healthcare team directly. Open communication between everyone involved is important to make the best plan moving forward.4,9,10