AAP News Vol. 13 No. 1 January 1997, p. 26
© 1997 American Academy of Pediatrics
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Learning disabilities: Pediatricians should step back

Robert D. Cunningham Jr. M.D., FAAP

A few years ago during a job interview for a position as a developmental pediatrician, I was asked what role a pediatrician should play in the evaluation of a child with a learning disability. And my shocking reply was: "They don't have a role. Unless there is a concern regarding a co-occurring behavioral problem, such as an attention deficit disorder, or some accompanying medical condition, the pediatrician has nothing useful to contribute to the routine evaluation of a child for a suspected learning disability." I think I thoroughly shocked my interviewers, but they also appreciated my candor.