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116
MENTALLY DEFECTIVE CHILDREN.
The work connected with the examination and certification has
been considerably accelerated by the appointmei.t of Dr. W. N. W.
Kennedy, the Deputy School Medical Officer, as an additional certifying
officer.
93 children reputed to be mentally deficient were examined. Of
this number
34 were certified as mentally defective, 2 being ineducable, and 3
suffering also from epilepsy.
42 proved to be dull and backward, 17 retarded 1 to 2 years,
22 retarded 2 to 3 years, and 3 retarded more than 3 years.
2 were physically defective only.
1 suffered from epilepsy only.
1 r were referred for observation, and
3 were normal children.
93
These cases were disposed of as jollows :—
3 were returned to an ordinary class at an elementary school.
23 were returned to an ordinary class at an elementary school with
special supervision.
26 were referred for instruction at an elementary school in a special
class for dull and backward children under the Public
Elementary School Code.
6 were recommended for treatment in a certified institution.
21 were admitted to Grangewood Special Day School for mentally
deficient children.
3 were referred for treatment of physical defects, and
11 were placed under observation pending re-examination at a later
date.
93
GRANGEWOOD SPECIAL M.D. SCHOOL.
The number of children receiving instruction at Grangewood
Special School has during the year showed a marked increase.
The following is a summary of the number of children who
attended :—
Number of children on Register on jist December, 1919 58
Number of children admitted to class during 1920 35
Number of children discharged and re-admitted to Council
Schools, 1920 —
Number of children discharged for unsuitabihty 8
Number of children left over age 8
Number of children on Register, December 31st, 1920 77
Special classes for dull and backward children have been formed
in many of the provided schools, but due to the want of accommodation
the Inspector has not been able to arrange similar accommodation
in the non-provided schools.