ME/CFS Society of WA: Youth

Just as in adults the Severity of a child's symptoms and disability may vary markedly. Symptoms can fluctuate even on a day to day basis and in all but the severely affected the very young may not be able to recognise their symptoms as being unusual.

Adolescent ME/CFS can therefore be particularly difficult to recognise. This may leave diagnosis uncertain creating anxiety and concern in both the child and parents. It also leaves young people who are affected by ME/CFS particularly vulnerable to inappropriate accusations of malingering.

Students are at risk of falling behind with their education due to the debilitating cognitive problems and fatigue caused by the disease. Those unable to attend school may also become isolated from their friends. These and other factors combine to present young people affected by ME/CFS with unique educational, social and developmental challenges, in addition to their medical problems.

Becoming as widely informed as possible about ME/CFS will allow parents to form an effective working partnership with their child's health professional(s). This will help remove any doubt or uncertainty and facilitate the earliest possible diagnosis. It will also provide a solid foundation for the prompt introduction of an appropriate Treatment program -which may lessen the overall impact of the disease.

It may be sensible to discuss any special educational needs at an early stage. Removing any unnecessary pressure 'to keep up' will allow for adequate rest and again may lessen the disease's impact. Children should also be encouraged whenever possible to see their friends and may need to consider new hobbies that are within their capabilities.

The About ME/CFS section of this website contains a wealth of information to help parents understand more about the disease. We also suggest you read our section on working with Your Doctor for details of how the Society can help parents learn more about the various forms of treatment that may be of benefit. Guidelines addressing many of the special problems faced in recognizing adolescent and paediatric ME/CFS are available here.