crohn's disease and job prospects

[dozeydo]

A teenager I know has been diagnosed with this condition and seems to think that her choice of career will now be limited. She wanted to work with SEN children but thinks that no one will employ her because she will need time off when the disease flares up. Would this be the case? Any comments would be very welcome.

[daffy654]

My autistic (Asperger Syndrome) son has an SSA(specialist support assistant) in class with him and gets very upset and disruptive when she isn't there. She broke her ankle last term and was off for the last 3 weeks of term,he was a nightmare in class because of it. She is also diabetic so has to have time off for illnesses related to that too. Continuity is very important to children with SEN so that has to be taken into consideration when employing staff. That said,the authorities concerned are not allowed to discriminate against someone because of an illness or disability.

[amonty1144]

It will depend entirely on the employer and on the amount of control over the disease tht her medication brings. My friend has Crohn's and repeatedly was in hospital for tests , operations etc also days off when in flare up, there was no problem with our employer, local authority. Local authorities allow 6 months off sick in any one year, so shouldn't be a problem.
I would just say be honest on the application form because if they don't mention it and they find out, they'll sack her.

[dozeydo]

Thank you both for your comments - I think she feels that she will be limited in her choice of career. It's early days yet - the diagnosis is very recent - but she is a highly intelligent and well balanced girl and deserves a rewarding career.