I found an interesting article in the Minnesota newsletter sent by Pacesetter. The article discussed what parents should do if a child or teenager starts refusing to go to school. They note that: complaining about feeling sick, crying or being sad, becoming easily frustrated or quick to anger and refusing to leave home, get on the bus or leaving school are all warning signs. I agree with all of these but would make some important additions.
The article rightly states that the child's doctor should be consulted as the first step, but did not mention that a complete physical examination should be done and a blood panel, urinalysis, and thyroid tests ordered. The next step, that the article did not mention, which to me may be the most important, is to have testing done by a qualified and experienced psychologist. An experienced psychologist can pick up a learning disability, the possibility of being on the autism spectrum, bullying, and many other things. When I saw patients with school problems, wanting to stay home etc. I was amazed at what a complete physical examination and testing by a child psychologist could pick up. Once we had a definite diagnosis, we could get the child or teenager the needed help, medication, or therapy. Sadly, with the rush to see lots of patients a day, many doctors don't do complete examinations, order blood tests, a urinalysis or get to know their patients and families. Then if only a nurse practitioner is seen, as now happens in some colleges, there can be bad and even tragic outcomes. Sometimes the answer is simple. I often mention my grandson, who when he was a four- year- old in a private pre-school program started acting out. When his parents ask for advice. I suggested testing by my favorite child psychologist. It didn't take long for her to get an answer. Alexander was bored with what they were doing in his pre-school class and just wanted to read. Once he could do that, he was well-behaved and after that was always an A student.
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