Is your child with SMA getting ready to start school for the first time, or changing schools? Want some ideas to make that as smooth as possible?

Here are some tips contributed by parents, ideas that have worked well for them:

Send a letter to the parents of your child's new classmates. (Remember to check with your child's teacher and principal before doing this.) Attach some information like FSMA brochures or a Fact Sheet about SMA and mention the FSMA website for more information.

You can cover such points as:

• That your child is mentally normal
• That SMA isn't contagious
• What type of SMA your child has
• What he or she can or can't do
• Whether your child has an attendant
• How it can be hazardous for your child to catch a cold, and emphasize that parents should please not send a child who is ill to school
• Your parking arrangement
• That they can feel free to call you if they have questions or concerns
• Wheelchair rules (or ask your child's teacher to cover these in class)

Be sure to attend "Meet the Teacher" night - be visible and involved in your child's school.

Send a letter at the end of the school year, thanking parents for their cooperation (if appropriate).