The effects of asthma medication on the cognitive and psychosocial functioning of primary school children with asthma are investigated. A questionnaire survey was conducted in a primary school in Stellenbosch (South Africa) with a population of six hundred and thirty-five students. Among these students, fifty-nine asthmatic children were identified, their ages varying between 6 and 13 years. A case study was also conducted with a 9-year-old asthmatic boy, receiving long-term treatment with corticosteroids from the age of 1 year. The findings suggest concentration deficits and inattentiveness, impaired short-term memory, poor time management (decreased psychomotor functioning), mood changes, symptoms associated with allergic- tension-fatigue syndrome, and functional impairment of academic and psychosocial functioning. It is concluded that children with asthma might be at risk for school failure due to these functional impairments, including school absenteeism, and/or adverse secondary effects (side-effects) of asthma medication. Furthermore, it is recommended that a multidisciplinary psycho-educational assistance model be adopted, and educational programs be implemented to promote age-appropriate functioning at home and at school. Service delivery for the child living with asthma, should include healthy parent-teacher partnerships, and close monitoring of adverse psychiatric and cognitive side effects. (Contains 4 tables.)