Special Education

Teaching Students with Mental Health Disorders:
Resources for Teachers: Volume 1 - Eating Disorders

Strategies to Support Extended Treatment Programs

A student with an eating disorders may be in and out of the hospital on a regular basis. This applies to students with severe anorexia nervosa, in particular, as the physical effects of malnutrition and starvation are extreme.

  • On the advice of the community treatment team and school counsellor, you may want to visit the student in hospital or at a treatment facility.
  • Work with the hospital/home bound teacher or day treatment program teacher to help the student stay organized and informed about assignments and activities. This will also help to smooth the transition back to school when it is time for the student to return.
  • Support the student in making the transition back to the classroom, especially after a long absence. This can be done by maintaining open lines of communication and adapting expectations. Meet with the student if possible, or contact the student by phone, to plan the return to the school in a way that will be most comfortable for the student.
Remember that a student with an eating disorder is facing life-threatening conditions. Full recovery is the primary goal, which must take priority over educational goals.