THRIVE Epilepsy Wellness for Children & Adults


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About This Program
Overview
We provide opportunities for children with epilepsy to participate in programs designed to:
- Promote cognitive efficiency and behavioral regulation (including attention and executive functioning) through targeted activities and therapies that will be designed to enhance learning, self-efficacy, social competence, mood/emotional regulation, motor control, and quality of life
- Conduct research to better understand the behavioral and cognitive comorbidities as well as the associated neurological processes related to epilepsy and the developing brain
- Reduce the number of hospital / doctor visits and the associated health care costs. The primary goal for all efforts will be to increase the understanding of and quality of health care for children with epilepsy
Calendar
Support Groups
Group Therapy for Children with Epilepsy
Group goals include psychosocial support, developmentally appropriate education about epilepsy, and cognitive Interventions with a focus on promoting regulation and executive functioning including impulse control, planning and organization, self-monitoring and cognitive flexibility.
Sibling Support Groups
Sibling groups meet once a year at a location outside the hospital.
Parent Support Groups
Parent groups meet twice a year at Mass General.
Education
Annual Education Conference
The seminar is provided for parents and those involved in the education and care of children with epilepsy.
Continuing education credits will be provided for nurses, educators, psychologists and social workers. Seminars address the medical, behavioral, cognitive, psychosocial and academic effects of epilepsy and provide specific information about appropriate supports and interventions.
Webinars
Online forums run by MGH Pediatric Epilepsy staff and guest speakers to address questions and provide information and specific interventions for behavioral, psychosocial and educational concerns. Webinars take place approximately once a month.
School Liaison Program
THRIVE provides a school psychologist/liaison to meet with families on-site, visit schools, observe school programs and consult directly with educators to ensure that appropriate interventions are being provided for our patients.
Additional Programs & Activities
Mass General runs or coordinates with a wide variety of activities and summer camps for young people with epilepsy, including yoga, occupational therapy, dog training, outdoor activities and summer camps. Learn more here.
Ketoween at the Museum of Science
Young patients on dietary therapy can feel left out on a candy-focused holiday like Halloween, but Ketoween at the Museum of Science provides costumed fun and games with peers and family.

WCVB TV: Dog Show Helps Young Epilepsy Patients
Our adolescent epilepsy patients train rescue dogs for weeks, then show off their skills with a dog talent show. The program improves quality of life for both patients and their partnered dog while both they both teach each other valuable life lessons.
Once we start caring, we never stop
Your kids won't always be young--but they'll always be welcome at Mass General. The world-class care they receive here as children will grow as effortlessly as they do.
Support the Pediatric Epilepsy Program
Donors like you help us make a difference in the lives of children with epilepsy and their families.