If you are a parent, teacher, Principal or SNA and have a query relating to the education and support of a person with PWS in an educational setting, please contact PWSAI  

PWSAI provide PWS training for schools at no cost.

Please get in touch with info@pwsai.ie

Taken from our Introduction to Prader Willi Syndrome section: What educational needs do people with PWS have?

In the past, children with PWS were generally directed towards special schools that catered only for children with special needs. In recent years with the move towards integrating children with special needs into mainstream schools, parents have been able to explore other options for educating their child with PWS. Some children with PWS do very well in special schools and some children do very well in mainstream schools.

Regardless of their intellectual ability, PWS children need constant supervision in school to ensure that they do not have inappropriate access to food. They may need assistance with their school work.  Because of physically challenges such as their small size, weak muscle tone and weight, they may also need assistance both in the classroom, in PE and in the playground. They may also need a range of behavioural and emotional supports.

PWS Students: Tips for Teachers

Below is a video from Elizabeth Roof, a professional who supports people with PWS

Who Elizabeth Roof Is
Elizabeth Roof, H.S.P., M.A., is a Senior Research Specialist and licensed Health Service Provider in Psychology at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. With nearly 30 years of experience and hundreds of assessments of individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), she is one of the most trusted experts in the field.

Why Educators Benefit From Her Video
Elizabeth’s guidance gives teachers clear, practical strategies for supporting students with PWS in the classroom—improving communication, behaviour management, motivation and routine-building. Her insights help teachers create calmer learning environments and more successful, supportive school experiences for students with PWS.

“Educating Students with Prader–Willi Syndrome” by Colin Reilly (2009)

Colin Reilly is an educational psychologist with a PhD from University College Dublin, known for his research and publications on neurogenetic syndromes and special educational needs, including Prader–Willi syndrome.

In this influential article, educational psychologist Colin Reilly outlines the key learning, behavioural, and classroom needs of students with Prader–Willi syndrome. He highlights how cognitive profiles, emotional regulation, anxiety, and food-related challenges shape school experiences—and provides practical strategies educators can use to support learning, independence, and well-being. Reilly’s work remains a clear, accessible guide for teachers seeking to better understand and effectively teach students with PWS.

Click here to download the following article: ‘Educating Students with Prader-Willi Syndrome’, by Educational Psychologist, Colin Reilly (2009)

After a long school day, many children, especially those with Prader-Willi Syndrome, need time to “decompress” when they get home.

Our new resource shares practical tips for managing after-school restraint collapse to help your child with PWS transition to being back home again.

Think of this time as a transition bridge, giving your child space to shift from the structure of school back into the comfort of home.