Challenges

Participation and attendance at daycare, school and or other productivity activities (i.e. part time employment) is a primary and essential occupation within childhood/adolescence.

Returning to school/employment after a burn can be an overwhelming and an anxious experience for the child, their family and the education/employment provider due to:

• coping with looking different, due to scarring/pigmentation changes on skin and/or wearing a compression garment/silicone.
• activity limitations/restrictions on the child. For example: toileting, when using playground equipment, during physical education lessons, opening lunchbox/pencil case, holding pencil, doing up buttons/zips on uniform.
• the physiological effects of a burn injury. The child may experience altered sensations including itchiness/heat/pain, which can impact on their concentration and attention in class.
• missed periods of time from school. The child may not be able to understand learning material or keep up with peers, or know how to/feel comfortable explaining their absence.
• navigating the school environment due to physical access issues, layout of the classrooms, comfort of chair/desk etc.