Primary care of previously institutionalized retarded children

Medical care of retarded children is a responsibility of pediatricians that is seldom discussed. Past practices of isolating these children in institutions and caring for them in special multidisciplinary clinics are fading. The medical experience with 48 retarded children, the problems that they present, and the system of care that was developed to meet their special needs are described. Previous medical care was often found to be lacking or inappropriate. The spectrum of morbidity resembles that of a general pediatric population although chronic conditions are much more prevalent. Utilization of primary care and consultative services is much higher than for a nonretarded population. Much time is required for their care; a great deal of time is devoted to advising caretakers and schools and to coordinating health services. A prepaid system of care using a health associate as the primary provider was developed, and has been an effective means of providing health care to these children.