Assessment of an itinerant medical evaluation program for school dysfunction

This paper describes an itinerant medical evaluation (IME) project and repo rts on the outcome 108 consecutive referrals made in the first gear Subject s were of ages 5 to 17 gears. Mosi students had been evaluated hy the schoo ls but were not receiving special education or related sen ices. IME led to clinical diagnosis of ADHD in 70% of the sample, and specific learning dis abilities were diagnosed in 26%. Several other clinically significant and e ducationally relevant diagnoses were made. As a result of the IME, many stu dents were placed in special education and/or began to receive related serv ices. At three-month follow-up, classroom accommodations were being made fo r 97% of the students. Teachers reported they felt more capable of teaching challenging students as a result of the IME. Significant improvements occu rred in hyperactivity, conduct problems, and inattention and grades improve d in 31% of rile sample. Reasons for rite project's success are discussed.