Bipolar Disorder
At no time should a non-medical practitioner like a teacher, educational assistant etc. offer a diagnosis, or comment on the potential of a diagnosis for a child in their care. As a teacher or educational assistant, it is your responsibility to report behaviours of concern to either the child's parents, or a member of your school health team and /or administration. This is an important distinction and one that must be completely understood. If you are unsure of your role, you should speak with your school administration to clarify your responsibilities.
At no time should a non-medical practitioner like a teacher, educational assistant etc. offer a diagnosis, or comment on the potential of a diagnosis for a child in their care. As a teacher or educational assistant, it is your responsibility to report behaviours of concern to either the child's parents, or a member of your school health team and /or administration. This is an important distinction and one that must be completely understood. If you are unsure of your role, you should speak with your school administration to clarify your responsibilities.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
What is Bipolar Disorder?
- Bipolar disorder is a medical condition that causes a person to cycle through periods of depression and elevated mood.
Bipolar disorder typically consists of three states:
- a high state, called mania
- a low state, called depression
- a well state, during which many people feel normal and function well.
- heritable illness that can be passed from generation to generation
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/bipolar-disorder
What does it look like in the classroom?
What does it look like in the classroom?
- student may experience difficulties
- focussing in class
- stay on task
- maintain motivation
- in the ability to correctly process facial expressions and the emotional meaning of language
- may experience oppositional type behaviours during episodes
https://www.bpchildren.com/teachers
Educator.pdfTeaching and Learning Strategies
Teaching and Learning Strategies
- spend time getting to know the student
- establish a trusting and respectful relationship
- support student in processing information
- attempt to reduce the noise distractions in the room
- consider adjusting overhead lighting, as students with a bipolar disorder may be sensitive to bright lighting
- create a safe place for student to when emotionally distressed
Academic accomodations to consider
- second set of books at home
- extended time on testing
- reduced work during times of instability
- organization assistance