Chronic school absenteeism as a diagnostic clue for paediatricians.

Chronic school absenteeism is a relatively common problem in childhood and adolescence, and paediatricians should be aware of the causes, implications, and possible consequences of this behaviour. Most children, who consistently miss school, remain at home with the awareness of their parents, reporting some medical causes for their behaviour. Therefore, paediatricians should learn to use chronic school absenteeism as a diagnostic clue, to appropriately address children and adolescents with this behaviour and their families.