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The purpose of this study is to develop and to articulate an argument for the expansion of the basic child study team in New Jersey by adding two new specialists: A developmental optometrist and an orthomolecular psychiatrist.
Currently, the basic child study team consists of a school psychologist, a school social worker, and a learning disabilities specialist, working in consultation with a school physician. The addition of these two specialists to the basic team will provide biophysical and biochemical intervention (diagnoses, evaluations, and treatments/therapies). The study contends that these specialists would make the present psycho-educational diagnostic unit more comprehensive and effective.
The design of the study is two-fold: First, it uses a comprehensive review of clinical and experimental research literature from the two specialties for most of the twelve respective categories of handicapping classifications used in New Jersey. Second, in order to report on actual professional practice of the two specialists, two questionnaires were developed and a survey undertaken.
The review of professional literature as findings (Chapter IV) shows that many children may have persistent learning/school achievement problems because of unsolved biophysical/biochemical dysfunctions. Some of the etiologies of learning, reading, and behavioral disabilities may have their underpinnings in the visual and/or nutritional areas.
The results of practices are based on the findings from the questionnaires from a sample of twenty-eight developmental optometrists, and six orthomolecular psychiatrists practicing in New Jersey. Five areas of responses from the two specialties are reported: First, types of problems presented; second, types and sources of current referral used; third, unique and distinctive techniques of treatment; fourth, success criteria and success ratios; and fifth, fiscal considerations and benefits.
Evidence from the survey of practice (Chapter V) reports the findings from the survey of clinical research that the specialties do address many of the problems of handicapped classifications. Currently about ninety percent of the referrals are directly from parents and not from school child study teams. Nonetheless of those children served by the two specialties, a high rate of success and specific success criteria are reported in this study.
Overall, the study reports findings that support the claim that with the two specialists on the basic child study team, for children the basic health, energy and nutritional status will improve. Many problems would be avoided, other problems would be prevented. Children's learning reading, behavioral and perceptual abilities will improve. Shifts will be made in current remediation and special education. Many social benefits will result with a minimum of fiscal expenditure.
No claims of guaranteed success in all cases are made with the addition of the developmental optometrist and orthomolecular psychiatrist to the basic team. Their work holds much promise for handicapped and learning disabled children, as well as those who may be considered underachievers. Today both specialties and their therapies are controversial in some circles. Findings from the literature and reports from practitioners present the case that each specialty has a potential contribution to make to children. It is recommended that both developmental optometrists and orthomolecular psychiatrists become regular members of the basic team in New Jersey so that children, the team, educators and parents would benefit.