Ineffective Homeschooling in a Child with a Learning Disability

CASE: Charles is a 10-year-old African-American male who presents to the Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic for evaluation of his learning. His primary care provider (PCP) was concerned that his developmental delays were negatively affecting his ability to engage in his homeschooling curriculum and also that his mother seemed unaware of the severity of his delays. Neuropsychological evaluation had been recommended by the PCP several times in the past, but the family declined. At one point, the PCP had considered potential child protective services (CPS) referral for medical neglect because of missed appointments and lack of follow-through on recommendations, which motivated the parent to bring him to this appointment. Medical history was significant for failure to thrive and hypotonia in infancy. Charles received physical therapy through early childhood for hypotonia and motor coordination deficits. His mother removed him from public school and initiated homeschooling in kindergarten after he suffered a dental injury at recess of which she was not notified. The current homeschooling (fourth grade) approach was described as “off and on” activities for 3 hours daily. His mother acknowledged that she struggled to get him to participate as he preferred using the computer and tablet rather than doing school work, and they also argued regularly about his impulsive eating. The patient's mother also described her own medical conditions that contributed to a high degree...
Source: Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics - Category: Child Development Tags: Challenging Case Source Type: research