The educationally handicapped child. The physician's place in a program to overcome learning disability.
Under California Assembly Bill 464, special classes may be provided by school districts for children designated as educationally handicapped. An educationally handicapped child is not mentally retarded or physically disabled. He may have neurological handicap or emotional disorder, but he must show impaired achievement in relation to his tested abilities.A physician may be asked to participate in the program, either as a specified member of the admissions committee of the school district or to provide a medical clearance for entrance of one of his own patients into the program.He does a thorough history and physical examination but adds special examination of attention, activity, coordination and attitudes.The educationally handicapped child is helped most by the physician who does not reject the idea of educational handicap even if the medical examination is negative; who treats his minor ills; who medicates, when it is indicated, for hyperactivity, distractibility or extreme anxiety; who cooperates with parents and school personnel.
D000293:Adolescent; D002140:California; D002648:Child; D004519:Education, Special; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D007878:Legislation as Topic; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations