Minimal Brain Dysfunction in Children-Evaluation and Treatment.

Behavioral, psychological, and educational effects of minimal brain dysfunction are discussed with reference to the published literature. The need is outlined for the application of available knowledge leading to adequate evaluation and treatment. Methods of educating the staff, obtaining a case history, and performing psychological testing are discussed. When a central evaluation is not possible, the suggested diagnostic procedures are for pediatric neurological, developmental optometric, and speech and hearing evaluations. Specific recommendations that arise from the complete evaluation are discussed, with the necessity of reporting the results to the parents in a sensitive, meaningful manner. Recommendations include (1) special education, (2) medication, (3) developmental optometric training, (4) counseling or psychotherapy, (5) parent participation in associations, (6) recreational programs, (7) parent counseling groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]