A new school year presents a lot of new opportunities like new teachers, new subjects and the possibility of new friends. But that newness also comes with a good degree of uncertainty, which can be frightening for a student with a chronic illness, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). That anxiety can be especially strong if the diagnosis is new, and the upcoming school year will be your child’s first with IBD.

“The first day of school after an IBD diagnosis can be hard, but with some planning it’s quite manageable,” says Dr. Michael Docktor, of the Boston Children’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. “Most children with the condition are able to quickly return to their normal school routines. All it takes is a few extra steps to make the return as seamless as possible.”

Watch Dr. Michael Docktor’s caregiver video

To ensure school is a positive experience for your child with newly diagnosed IBD, Docktor suggests speaking with your child’s teachers, school administrator and nurse as soon as possible to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. Here are some tips to help prepare for a busy school year. …