Probably no two topics have generated more workshops, con- ferences, and
lectures in medicine and education than the chron- ically ill child and
the mandate of Public Law 94-142. In spite of the numerous examinations
of these topics there has never been a serious dialogue between medical
professionals and educators with the child as the focus. These
proceedings represent such a unique event. The paradigm of the medically
exceptional child is the child with cancer, a child with a
life-threatening illness, but also a child with a high probability of
being cured of this acute disease. Such a cure is purchased at a cost of
late sequelae of disease and treat- ment alike. There is prejudice
against this child. There is overt physical exceptionality. Therefore,
the Fifth Annual Mental Health Conference of The University of Texas
System Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, was a stimulus to
generate this dialogue. When two nationally recognized giants in their
respective fields, The University of Texas System Cancer Center and the
Houston Independent School District, address a problem, the result
transcends local concern. This conference goes far beyond the problem of
the child with cancer to deal with all medically exceptional children.
The focus on the needs and expectations for the child makes this
workshop universal in application.