QUESTION: What are some of the recommendations that you give to children about how to be dealing with this IBD among their friends?

DR. SZIGETHY: That's an excellent question and one that parents frequently ask. There really is no one way and I think that's the key. It's again knowing your child, and knowing who their friends are. And really, it's helpful to have somebody in their peer group that their child can share this with and feel that they have a way to be understood. Because most kids, regardless of their age, don't like to be different, want to be accepted for who they are, and IBD often, because of sort of frequently having to go to the bathroom or missing school, or even just missing out on activities because they're tired, or from pain, puts them in this precarious position of wanting to be like other kids and share in what's going on with them, but feeling embarrassed to do so. So often having a trusted friend can be helpful, but again carefully monitored- I think this is a place where parents can have very open, honest discussions again with their kids about who they're picking and what exactly they want to say.