Harry's parents report concern about him to their pediatrician because the child care worker has told them that he seems "insecure." In the first 3 weeks of the new day care program, this 2 1/2-year-old boy separated reluctantly (with much crying and clinging) from his parent in the morning and then remained on the periphery of the activities. He watched quietly but observantly from the sidelines while most of the other children talked and played. He repeatedly resisted invitations from the staff and other children to join in the activities. Yet, he seems interested and does not appear to be unhappy. At home he has two playmates in the neighborhood. The child care worker advised professional evaluation for his "emotional insecurity."The parents of 7-month-old Jimmy come to you in great dismay, saying that he has been "basically screaming since birth." At present he is crying or fussing for well over 3 hours a day. The management strategies that had worked well for their two older children seem to be quite inadequate for Jimmy. He is sensitive, irritable, and hard to soothe. The parents are spending much of the day and night carrying him around the house. The previous pediatrician said at 2 months that it was "just colic" and would either get better soon with a special formula or that it would take another month or so to go away by itself. Yet, 5 months later the fussing and crying are only a little better, although Jimmy does have periods when he smiles and laughs. The parents consulted a psychologist who only told them that Jimmy was developmentally normal. One of the grandmothers recommended marital counseling for the parents because they are arguing over how best to handle their baby. The parents think that they should reject that suggestion because they believe that they have a good marriage and they have had few problems with their two older children. There are no vomiting or diarrhea and no unusual family stressors, and the physical examination and developmental screen are negative.Carla is a bright 14-year-old girl whose parents ask you what they should do about her school underachievement. Throughout elementary school and now in middle school, she has made high scores on aptitude tests but only average results on achievement tests and grades. She could be getting A's, but she generally receives only B's or C's. From discussions with the parents, you recognize that Carla is somewhat disorganized, timid, inattentive, and distractible. But she has no learning disabilities and no evidence of behavioral or emotional problems at home or at school. When confronted by a crisis, such as writing a long-neglected term paper in the next 24 hours, she concentrates very well and usually gets an A. The school is more than adequate. The school counselor is mildly concerned and called for a parent conference but is not recommending any further evaluation because Carla is not failing. However, her highly achieving parents are somewhat disappointed. An aunt has suggested that she should be "tested for ADHD." The parents want to know your opinion.