Struggling at school - a practical approach to the child who is not coping.
BACKGROUND
Children struggling at school represent a very substantial segment of paediatric morbidity.1 Up to 20% of children have learning or behavioural problems that interfere with school functioning, which suggests this is a significant public health issue. There is evidence that persistent school problems can have a negative impact on a range of outcomes throughout the life course into adult


OBJECTIVE
To provide an approach to the assessment of the child who presents with problems at school.


CONCLUSIONS
The reasons for children's school problems are many and varied - there are a number of biological and environmental factors that can have a role. Sometimes the aetiology is clear but often it is obscure. A comprehensive assessment of these children is important and results in a management plan that addresses the child's strengths and weaknesses. The general practitioner can play an important part in the early identification of these children, as well as providing informed, ongoing follow up and advocacy.
MD, FRACP, DCH, Professor, Director, Royal Children's Hospital, Centre for Community Child Health, Melbourne, VIC.
Frank
F
Oberklaid
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D058006:General Practice; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010348:Patient Care Team