Often, a teacher may be the first to notice that a student is having trouble staying awake in school or not keeping up with assignments, but they may assume the child or young adult is not sleeping enough at night. Likewise, parents may not realize that their child is falling asleep in class. This is why good communication can play an integral role in diagnosing narcolepsy.Similarly, treatment and management of narcolepsy requires open and regular communication and teamwork among the child’s parents and other adults in their life. That’s why, in addition to proper treatment and following narcolepsy-healthy lifestyle habits, it’s important for parents to work with a child’s teachers, administrators, coaches, and aides to make sure the student’s needs are being met and stay up to date on any new problems the child may be facing.This open line of communication can help keep everyone on the same page, manage expectations, and reduce stress, Castriotta notes.What’s more, kids who feel they’re about to nod off in class can feel empowered to manage their condition without fear of being reprimanded.Legally, there are two specialized education plans students with a disability (including narcolepsy) can request for accommodations to help them succeed at school:504 Plan A 504 plan outlines specific accommodations or modifications a student with a physical disability or medical condition may need. It also offers guidance on how each teacher should work with that student to accommodate them. These plans are typically developed by school staff and parents and reviewed at least once a year. They can be applied all the way through postsecondary education.IEP An individual education plan (IEP) outlines how needed accommodations and individualized education for children with learning disabilities will be provided. Teachers, school staff, and parents put together the plan, which requires an assessment by a licensed school psychologist. (It should also include transition planning but is not available after high school.)The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is a good source of information about both types of plans and how to apply for them. For example, the NCLD page about 504 plans describes the school evaluation and assessment process and provides links to more information. And the NCLD’s page on IEP plans describes, among other things, the important components of an IEP.Some accommodations that might help a child with narcolepsy manage the condition and keep up with their studies — either as part of a 504 plan or IEP or simply arranged with the child’s school — include:Getting note-taking assistance or a backup note taker, so if a bout of extreme sleepiness occurs during class, the student has a record of what was missedRecording lecturesScheduling classes around when the student is most alertScheduling napsAdjusting or negotiating deadlines (concentrating for long periods of time can be especially challenging for people with narcolepsy, says Roth)Allowing the student to stand up during class to walk around to help maintain alertness (remaining sedentary for too long can decrease alertness in people with narcolepsy)Giving the student extra time or active breaks during exams