My son, Ben has been diagnosed with alopecia since he was 6 months old.
Initially, it was Alopecia areata. At the age 1 1/2 yo, 100% of his scalp hair was gone. We did not have any problem dealing with alopecia during his pre-k and kinder garden years up until today.

My son started fall-classes this year as a first grader. He was so excited being able to go to "the big" school. I explained to him about the kids who might get curious about his hair loss and if someone asks why he doesn't have hair, he can just answer them, "I have alopecia" and if they ask what Alopecia is, he can tell them it means hair loss and can let them touch his head if they wanted to. In that way, other kids will know that it's not contagious or something to be afraid about.

My Son did not show self consciousness regarding his hair loss and he doesn't like wearing hats either. He had mentioned a month ago that there were kids in school who are calling him names. I called the school and my husband spoke with the teacher. After that, my son came home from school everyday being as happy as he can be and mentioned to me that the kid that called him names apologized. I thought that was the end of it.

Tonight, He woke up crying because of pain in his calves. After asking all the probing questions. He stated that there were two kids that kicked him in his legs and kept stepping on his feet because he was bald. According to my son the kids that hit him has been reprimanded by the principal. I still have to follow up on that on Monday.

I feel like educating the entire school about alopecia for them to have a better understanding why my son lost his hair and that needed to be treated as a regular kid. the problem is I don't know where or how to begin.