The state of Texas mandates that all Kindergartners, 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders be screened for hearing and vision problems as well as Acanthosis Nigricians.

Acantosis Nigricans is a black-brown velvety skin condition on the back of the neck caused by too much insulin in the blood.  It is a warning sign for insulin resistant Type 2 Diabetes.  Screeners who have been trained will look at and gently run their hand on the back of your child’s neck.  If the screener suspects the presence of Ancathosis Nigricans, your child will be called individually into the nurse’s office at a later time for a private evaluation.  At that time the nurse will check the student’s height, weight and 2 blood pressure readings.  The nurse will also calculate the students BMI (body mass index), the standard measure of recommended weight by gender and age.  Parents will be advised of the results of the evaluation accompanied by a notification recommending a visit to a medical doctor for further evaluation and to rule out early diabetes.

If you receive a referral form for hearing, vision or Acanthosis Nigricans please follow up with your physician and inform the nurse of the results.

If your child is in 2nd or 4th grade and you feel they are having difficulty with their hearing or vision please let me know and I will screen them for you.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me.