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The whole child: I recently received this email from a mother in the Midwest.

Article Excerpt
"... My daughter has pdd [pervasive developmental disorder] and struggles with just about everything. She has been left behind by the school, and I am having trouble getting help. At first they refused to take her as pdd, then after they did they would not give her the right services. She is an eighth grader with only third grade ability, and I know she can do more. Due to the lack of assistance and the fact she wanted to kill herself due to bullying, I had to remove her last year from school. I now home school her, but there are things that she is still not getting. The fact that she also wants a school that she can fit into tells me a lot ..."

This mother went on to ask about programs and advice for her daughter. This email touched on many issues:

* Developmental delays are very serious.

* Bullying can be lethal.

* Home schooling, while the answer for some, is not a good alternative for many others.

* School issues are life issues.

* Early intervention is essential.

* Social "promotions" are often counter-productive.

* Appropriate resources are often scarce, if available.

No child, due to a learning disability, and the issues inherent with that learning disability should ever "want to kill themselves." Comprehensive mental health services should be available in the schools. Children do have mental health needs. A recent study from the Public Health office of the...