IMPORTANT UPDATES

When a child is diagnosed with an illness, it can affect every member of the family. That’s why the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Epilepsy Center offers support groups for both parents and children who are living with epilepsy.

There are two separate support groups that meet the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Children's Support Center:

  • A parent education group for parents and caregiver
  • A child and teen group for children with seizures and their siblings

Parent and caregiver support group

This epilepsy support group provides participants with information, education, resource-sharing opportunities, emotional support and a chance to talk with other parents and caregivers. This group is facilitated by the Epilepsy Program team at Children’s, who provides family support, education, resources and assistance through the Comprehensive Epilepsy Clinic. Leaders from the Epilepsy Program work to develop innovative neuroscience education and care coordination relationships with pediatricians and schools across Georgia.

Child and teen support group

Our child and teen epilepsy support group is designed to help children learn to cope with their diagnosis in a social support format. Kids from 5-year-olds to teenagers who are able to attend a peer discussion group without parents for 90 minutes are welcome.

This seizure support group offers a safe place for children to be open about issues, learn more about their diagnosis, discuss real-life experiences and, most importantly, have fun and meet others. Siblings are also invited to attend these meetings.

Occasionally, the child and teen support group will be divided based on age to address specific issues. The support groups are facilitated by neuropsychology department residents and psychologists, as well as our child life specialist for the neurology inpatient unit. All Children’s support group facilitators are experienced in working with special needs families and children with chronic medical or neurological issues.

Call 404-785-8494 to RSVP or to learn more about our epilepsy support groups.

Children’s is excited to host a private Facebook group, Epilepsy Support Group at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, to support patients and families impacted by epilepsy. Our goal is for this page to be the voice of our patient families and connect epilepsy support group members. It is a closed, private group that is only for families who currently attend the epilepsy support group. The Facebook group allows members to safely ask questions, share tips and celebrate milestones with one another.

Learn how the ketogenic diet can positively impact your child’s neurological treatment.

Children who are having problems with medicine, or whose seizures are not being well-controlled, may be placed on a special diet called the ketogenic diet.

LEARN MORE

Having a child diagnosed with a neurological condition can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. At Children’s, our top priority is supporting you and your family. We make it our mission to provide the best care—and the best experience—for every child living with epilepsy. As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s well-being. Not only are you a vital member of your child’s healthcare team; you are a source of security and comfort.