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Children Educational Initiative

We are dedicated to advocating for parents and children, empowering them to navigate the educational system so that children with Essential Tremor can achieve their full academic potential.

​The Children's Educational Initiative aims to educate our school systems about Essential Tremor and is working with legislators and educators on a pilot program to inform principals, teachers, and school nurses. The goal is to help them recognize and understand the symptoms of ET in children within their classrooms.
Empowering education: 

​Our dedicated resources help Parents tackle challenges and make informed choices in the school systems! 

​Inform principals, teachers, and school nurses about Essential Tremor. 
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Tips for collaborating with educators and nurses

Ways to build inclusion in the classroom
  • Information pamphlets for teachers and school staff
  • Strategies to help families communicate effectively with schools
  • Shareable materials for teachers and interested parents who want to learn more about Essential Tremor
The CEI offers resources for families and educators to help strengthen collaboration and build understanding across the classroom and community for Essential Tremor.

This guide and program are meant for families, caregivers, and professionals who help children thrive at school.
 
CEI combines professional expertise with real-world experience, equipping families with actionable strategies to engage effectively with schools and ensure their children receive the vital services they need to succeed.
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Become an Advocate for Children

We are collaborating with legislators and educators to develop a pilot program to inform principals, teachers, and school nurses about Essential Tremor. 
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​​Stop ET Bullying 

Join the fight to stop ET bullying. Get involved & learn about Essential Tremor. Talk to your children and your co-workers. 
​Help Team DSF make a difference. Share your stories. Learn More>>
Recognize Symptoms of ET in the Classroom
Our goal is to help Teachers, Nurses, and Principals recognize and understand the symptoms of Essential Tremor in children in their classrooms.
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In many children, essential tremor (ET) symptoms are mild. However, tremors can worsen with age.

These tremors can impact daily life by interfering with fine motor activities, leading to difficulties with:

- Writing
- Speaking
- Eating
- Playing sports & games
- After school activities
- Balance

Changes in the Classrooms
Schools need to make specific changes to improve students' educational experience. This includes creating personalized learning plans, using supportive technology, and fostering an inclusive classroom environment. Schools can also arrange classrooms for different activities and provide calming spaces. These strategies help students stay engaged, succeed, and feel a sense of belonging.
 
Recent research indicates that 5 out of every 100 children under the age of 20 have essential tremor. That number is staggering and represents a significant increase in the incidence of ET in children from even ten years ago. Yet there seems to be so little information available about ET in general and even less about ET in children. That is why our DSF Children Educational Initiative is so important. 
Stand With Us – Together, We Will Make a Significant Impact for Children with ET!
Your support fuels the Children Educational Initiative.

Every donation allows us to continue providing these vital services—at no cost—to families who need them most.

💙 Ways to Give:
✔️One-time Gift – Immediate impact.
✔️Monthly Giving – Sustainable support.
✔️Give in Honor of a Loved One – Make a tribute gift.

​​Your support/donation to DSF Educational Initiative Program ensures
  • Provide support and tools/information of Essential Tremor throughout the school.
  • ​Work with legislators and educators on a pilot program to inform principals, teachers, and school nurses about essential tremors. 
  • Recruit Volunteers & Team Members.
  • Provide support and tools for Parents.
  • End ET Bullying in schools
  • Spread ET educational information on Social Media Platforms and ET Campaigns​​​

Recognizing Essential Tremor in children

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​By Darlene A. Lobel MD FAANS  DSF President
Recent research indicates that 5 out of every 100 children under the age of 20 has essential tremor. That number is staggering, and represents a significant increase in the incidence of ET in children from even ten years ago. Yet there seems to be so little information available about ET in general and even less about ET in children.

ET can be present as early as birth, although most commonly it will begin between the ages of 6 and 8 when it starts in childhood. Boys are three times more likely to develop ET as child than girls. We do not see this gender difference in adults who develop ET.
There are other notable differences between childhood ET and adult onset ET. Children often develop tremors in both hands and arms, while adults commonly have only one side of their body with tremors for a number of years and many never develop tremors in both sides of their body. Also, head tremor is very rare in children, affecting only 5% of children with ET.

Importantly, when ET presents in children, it is very common for the child to have another neurological condition at the same time. Children with ET often have “tics” or jerky, movements of their head or arms. This can also make diagnosis difficult. Many doctors who are not movement disorder specialists may not recognize essential tremor. It is important that you take your child to a movement disorder neurologist to be sure you are getting the right diagnosis and the best treatment recommendations.

If you have a child with ET, know that you are not alone. We will be posting information and resources regularly to help you and your child have the most up to date knowledge about ET.
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Darlene A. Lobel MD FAANS 
Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor