An investigation into the incidence of physical defects in mentally abnormal children: with some observations on certain other conditions relative to mental abnormality in childhood

Abstract

In course of the work of an assistant school medical officer, a frequent duty i s to examine and report on the mentality and capabilities of boys and girls of school age. Early in such examinations, the impression was received, that physical defects in such children greatly outnumbered those found in school children of non-exceptional type. Interest being felt in the subject, it was decided to examine a certain number of cases with a view to determining the incidence of physical defects in mentally abnormal children . The examination of each child fell under two headings: (i) Mental. (ii) Physical. • •

Under the heading "Mental", the following three factors were ascertained: 1. The intelligence quotient. 2. The personal and social qualities. 3. The temperamental conditions. •

Under the heading "Physical", four sub-division were adopted. 1. Particulars of home conditions. 2. Family history. 3. Personal history. 4. Examination of physical condition.