Ep. 120: Back to School with Food Allergies- Accommodations, Epinephrine & Preparing Your Child
LISTEN TO EPISODE 120: Apple Podcast • Spotify • Amazon Music
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank ARS Pharma for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
Is it too early to start planning for school when summer has just begun? Not if your child has food allergies.
Dr. Nikki Chase, a board-certified allergist-immunologist, joins us to share what families need to know to prepare for a safe and successful school year. From school forms and emergency plans to when to self-carry epinephrine and how to teach self-advocacy, this episode is filled with practical, real-life guidance.
We discuss how to make the most of your summer doctor visits, why early planning matters, and how newer epinephrine options, like the nasal spray, may help reduce fear and delay in use. You’ll also hear Dr. C
What we cover in our episode about preparing for school with food allergies:
504 plans explained: What they are, how to request one, and why they matter for legal protection and clear school accommodations.
Anaphylaxis Action Plans: What’s included, how they differ from 504 plans, and why they take the guesswork out of emergencies.
Epinephrine device options: From auto-injectors to nasal spray, what’s available and how to choose the best fit for your child.
Summer allergy education goals: The rules, responsibilities, and privileges kids should practice to build confidence and safety.
Self-advocacy & communication tips: How to help your child speak up, navigate cafeteria dynamics, and respond to food allergy bullying.
More resources about back-to-school with food allergies
More episodes about food allergies:
What to prepare for your back-to-school visit with the allergist
Don’t wait until the last minute. Schedule your child’s allergy appointment and school appointment at least two weeks before school starts. Many clinics are overwhelmed with form requests in August, and key school staff, such as nurses and administrators, may be out or unavailable during the late summer.
Here’s what to cover during the visit:
Update your child’s anaphylaxis action plan.
Ensure it includes current emergency contacts, allergen information, clear treatment steps, and the type and dose of the epinephrine device. This plan should be reviewed and signed by your allergist to submit to the school.
Discuss which epinephrine device is right for your child.
Talk through options such as auto-injectors and the newer nasal spray. Consider your child’s comfort, ability to self-carry, and what school staff are trained to use.
Review accommodations for a 504 plan.
While your allergist doesn’t fill out the form, they can help you identify what supports your child may need, such as:
Epinephrine access and storage protocols
Staff training requirements
Cafeteria seating preferences
Class party or snack policies
Field trip or substitute teacher procedures
Timestamps
Our episode helps you prepare for back-to-school with food allergy children.
01:11 Dr. Nicki Chase introduction
02:25 Importance of starting school prep early
04:51 Overview of 504 plans
07:54 What’s included in an anaphylaxis action plan
12:25 When children are ready to self-carry epinephrine
15:43 Epinephrine device options: auto-injector vs. nasal spray
20:29 Using summer to build food allergy confidence
29:55 “Leaving the house” mantra for remembering epinephrine
