Guidance Counselor Peak Performance Actions
- Help all school personnel understand that asthma is not a psychological disease. Be alert for the warning signs listed in this Program which may alert you to an asthma episode. Early warning signs include a student’s inability to participate in physical activities or simply feeling tired for no apparent reason. The physical exertion of hard laughing or crying can also trigger asthma symptoms if the student’s asthma is not well controlled. Report any warning signs to the school nurse and parents.
- Provide the same information to the student body so that other children will gain an understanding that a child with asthma is ill, not different, and should not be subjected to ridicule.
- Recognize that learning to cope with asthma, as with any chronic illness, can be difficult. Teachers may notice low self-esteem, withdrawal from activities, discouragement over the stops needed to control asthma, or difficulty making up school work. Special counseling with the student and/or parents may help the student handle problems more effectively.
- Help the student by encouraging independence and self participation in the management of their asthma. Ensure that the student has the knowledge and skills to participate in their self management
.