Pediatric Evaluation of Children With School Problems

A practicing pediatrician participated in the evaluation of 21 children with school dysfunction. Diagnoses were coded according to a scheme that included (1) clinical psychiatric syndrome, (2) intellectual level, (3) associated or etiological factors, and (4) academic achievement level. Other members of the team included the school principal, guidance counselor, teacher, nurse, psychologist, social worker, and speech pathologist. The 21 consecutive evaluations were carried out during a 15-month period, comprised 1.5% of the school-age children in the suburban pediatric practice, and accounted for 0.54% of the author's office appointments during the study period. The problems encountered included conduct disorders, specific learning disabilities, mild mental retardation, and seizure disorders. It is suggested that pediatricians may need additional training to participate effectively in this area of school health.