Life with narcolepsy can be fraught with daily challenges.
Excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, or other narcolepsy symptoms can interfere with daily life and activities and make concentration difficult. And for many, stress can only exacerbate those problems. But with time and treatment, most people can learn to manage these challenges.
But what happens when you’re still young and trying to learn your way around life with narcolepsy? And what happens if the activity you’re trying to concentrate on is the SAT or ACT—tests that have a real, tangible impact on your future? No stress there, right?
In years past, students with narcolepsy facing the prospect of testing while struggling with excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or trouble concentrating may have been told to just get extra sleep. Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), testing entities have been required to make reasonable accommodations so people with physical challenges or conditions have the opportunity to demonstrate their real aptitude. For students with narcolepsy, that means getting the extra time and breaks they need to complete the SAT or ACT.
Getting these accommodations isn’t automatic, of course. The College Board, which oversees both tests, requires medical documentation that clearly establishes the student’s history with narcolepsy and need for extra time. Understanding these requirements can be another source of stress all by itself.
Fortunately, the Narcolepsy Network has you covered.
They offer a brochure that outlines the required documentation and procedures for requesting SAT and ACT accommodation. The brochure also summarizes the specific accommodations offered for each test and how to register for the tests with an accommodation. They also have some handy tips for both parents and students to consider.
One of the top tips? Don’t wait to get the ball rolling on requesting special accommodations; it can take a while to gather all the information needed. And maybe the most valuable tip—for both narcolepsy and non-narcolepsy students alike—don’t stress on the time and do your best. As any parent will tell you, you can’t ask for anything more!
