Special Education and the Pediatrician

Abstract

The involvement of pediatricians in educational planning for exceptional children is increasing. This article briefly presents areas of mutual interest to pediatric medicine and special mental — education retardation, learning disabilities, reading problems, and parent groups. Selected aspects of appropriate working relationships among medical and educational personnel are discussed from the vantage point of some educators. The implications of certain changes in special education — replacing the medical framework with behavioral systems, de-emphasis of etiology, and a thrust to maintain exceptional children in mainstream educational programs — are presented.