Alternative therapies for developmental and learning disabilities

<h2 id="treatment-needs">Treatment needs</h2>
<p>There are a number of non-standard treatments for developmental and learning disabilities. There is a call for alternative therapies particularly when a condition lacks a reliable remediation. For example, there is no cure for autism; the main goals of mainstream behavioral and medical management are to lessen associated deficits and family distress, and to increase quality of life and functional independence.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:2" href="#fn:2"><sup>2</sup></a> Some alternative therapies, such as <a href="/facts/Gluten-free,_casein-free_diet/01WzuXYd">gluten-free, casein-free diets</a>, may be appealing to some parents because the treatment recommended by most experts is thought to be "cold and manipulative".<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:3" href="#fn:3"><sup>3</sup></a> Parents may also consider a drug treatment for <a href="/facts/Attention-deficit_hyperactivity_disorder/uSqjIyhd">attention deficit</a> as avoidable. Alternative treatments to a <a href="/facts/Methylphenidate/PHmG2R5p">stimulant medication</a> range from natural products to <a href="/facts/Psychotherapeutic/n2hDjaop">psychotherapeutic</a> techniques and highly technological interventions. It has been argued that although texts that promote alternative therapies do not directly accuse parents of inadequacy, the claims that the disability is caused by certain factors, such as poor nutrition, supports the culture of mother-blame.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:4" href="#fn:4"><sup>4</sup></a>
</p>
<h2 id="prevalence">Prevalence</h2>
<p>From 12% to 64% of families of a child with ADHD use an alternative therapy,[<i>where?</i>] with the lower estimates likely come from narrower definitions of <a href="/facts/Complementary_and_alternative_medicine/XwFG5qtK">complementary and alternative medicine</a> (CAM).<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:5" href="#fn:5"><sup>5</sup></a> School teachers, family and friends are the most common source of suggestion of alternative therapies for ADHD.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:6" href="#fn:6"><sup>6</sup></a> In 2003, 64 percent of families of a child with special health care needs reported that they use alternative therapies. These therapies included <a href="/facts/Spiritual_healing/vRd16lkt">spiritual healing</a>, massage, <a href="/facts/Chiropractic/GzfjsnFv">chiropractic</a>, <a href="/facts/Herbs/EKCltNNF">herbs</a> and special diets, homeopathy, <a href="/facts/Self_hypnosis/7x7DqWXJ">self hypnosis</a> and other methods of <a href="/facts/Alternative_medicine/XwFG5qtK">complementary and alternative medicine</a>. The need for an alternative therapy was related to the child's condition and to its evaluation as repairable or not.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:7" href="#fn:7"><sup>7</sup></a> A 2008 study found that about 40% of Hong Kong children with <a href="/facts/Autism_spectrum_disorder/bzouRyMI">autism spectrum disorder</a> were treated with CAM, with the most popular therapies being <a href="/facts/Acupuncture/7wxdsmUL">acupuncture</a>, <a href="/facts/Sensory_integration_therapy/1hl5l4hh">sensory integration therapy</a>, and <a href="/facts/Chinese_herbology/JF2XKnhH">Chinese herbology</a>; the 40% is a lower prevalence than in Canada and the U.S., where biological-based therapies such as special diets predominate.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:8" href="#fn:8"><sup>8</sup></a> In the U.S. CAM is used by an estimated 20–40% of healthy children, 30–70% of children with special health care needs, and 52–95% of children with autism, and a 2009 survey of U.S. <a href="/facts/Primary_care_physician/3SeshKvJ">primary care physicians</a> found that more of them recommended than discouraged <a href="/facts/Multivitamin/IfC33Tm9">multivitamins</a>, <a href="/facts/Essential_fatty_acid/0WQfcE9D">essential fatty acids</a>, <a href="/facts/Melatonin/LEyEWg18">melatonin</a>, and <a href="/facts/Probiotics/gQNAN6ly">probiotics</a> as CAM <a href="/facts/Treatments_for_autism/51Ak38EU">treatments for autism</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:9" href="#fn:9"><sup>9</sup></a>
</p>
<h2 id="evidence-basis">Evidence basis</h2>
<p>Complementary and alternative medicine often lacks support in <a href="/facts/Evidence-based_medicine/InK1lB9l">scientific evidence</a>, so its safety and <a href="/facts/Efficacy/PNlTeDtD">efficacy</a> may be questionable.
</p><p>
While some experts encourage parents to be open-minded, others argue that treatments and services with no proven efficacy have <i>opportunity costs</i> because they displace the opportunity to participate in efficient treatments and services.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:10" href="#fn:10"><sup>10</sup></a> According to Scott O. Lilienfeld, </p><blockquote><p>many individuals who spend large amounts of time and money on ineffective treatments may be left with precious little of either. As a result, they may forfeit the opportunity to obtain treatments that could be more helpful. Thus, even ineffective treatments that are by themselves innocuous can indirectly produce negative consequences.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:11" href="#fn:11"><sup>11</sup></a></p></blockquote>
<p>There is often little or no scientific evidence for effectiveness of alternative therapies.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:12" href="#fn:12"><sup>12</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:13" href="#fn:13"><sup>13</sup></a>
</p>
<h2 id="precautions">Precautions</h2>
<p>Because many alternative therapies have not been evaluated in scientific studies there may be no guarantee for their safety. In most countries, with the exception of <a href="/facts/Osteopathy/BrS9UGbh">osteopathy</a> and chiropractic, complementary medical disciplines have not been state registered. This means there is no law to forbid anyone from setting up as a practitioner even with no qualification nor experience.
</p>
<h2 id="see-also">See also</h2>
<ul>
<li>Medicine portal</li><li>Psychology portal</li></ul>

<ul><li><a href="/facts/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_management/IuMsRlDP">Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder management</a> – Practices with established treatment efficacy for ADHDPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets</li>
<li><a href="/facts/List_of_alternative_therapies_for_developmental_and_learning_disabilities/NoGjr5DH">List of alternative therapies for developmental and learning disabilities</a></li></ul>

<h2 id="external-links">External links</h2>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.sram.org">Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine (SRAM)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://csl.georgetown.edu/info_packets/DyslexiaIndex.shtml">CSL Dyslexia information online packet</a></li>
<li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120419152830/http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/about-dyslexia/further-information/alternative-therapies.html">British Dyslexia Association: Alternative therapies</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dyslexia.ie/information/general-information-about-dyslexia/alternative-therapies/">Dyslexia Association of Ireland: Alternative therapies</a></li></ul>

<h2 id="references">References</h2>

<ol>
<li id="fn:1"><p>Weber W, Newmark S (2007). "Complementary and alternative medical therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism". Pediatric Clinics of North America. 54 (6): 983–1006. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2007.09.006. PMID 18061787. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
<li id="fn:2"><p>Myers SM, Johnson CP, Council on Children with Disabilities (2007). "Management of children with autism spectrum disorders". Pediatrics. 120 (5): 1162–82. doi:10.1542/peds.2007-2362. PMID 17967921.
Lay summary in: "New AAP reports help pediatricians identify and manage autism earlier". American Academy of Pediatrics (Press release). 2007-10-29. Archived from the original on 2007-11-01.
 <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/120/5/1162" target="_blank">http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/120/5/1162</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
<li id="fn:3"><p>Vyse, Stuart (2005). "Where Do Fads Come From?". In Jacobson, Foxx & Mulick (ed.). Controversial Therapies for Developmental Disabilities. Fad, Fashion, and Science in Professional Practice. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. ISBN 0-8058-4192-X. <a href="0-8058-4192-X" target="_blank">0-8058-4192-X</a> <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
<li id="fn:4"><p>Malacrida, C. (2002). "Alternative Therapies and Attention Deficit Disorder: Discourses of Maternal Responsibility and Risk". Gender & Society. 16 (3): 366–385. doi:10.1177/0891243202016003006. S2CID 145167461. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:4" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
<li id="fn:5"><p>Weber W, Newmark S (2007). "Complementary and alternative medical therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism". Pediatric Clinics of North America. 54 (6): 983–1006. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2007.09.006. PMID 18061787. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:5" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
<li id="fn:6"><p>Stubberfield, T; Parry, T; Parry, TS (1999). "Utilization of alternative therapies in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder". Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. 35 (5): 450–453. doi:10.1046/j.1440-1754.1999.355401.x. PMID 10571757. S2CID 27065249. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:6" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
<li id="fn:7"><p>Sanders, H; Davis, MF; Duncan, B; Meaney, FJ; Haynes, J; Barton, LL; et al. (2003). "Use of Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies Among Children With Special Health Care Needs in Southern Arizona". Pediatrics. 111 (3): 584–587. doi:10.1542/peds.111.3.584. PMID 12612240. <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/111/3/584?ck=nck" target="_blank">http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/111/3/584?ck=nck</a> <a href="#fnref:7" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
<li id="fn:8"><p>Wong VC (2009). "Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD): comparison of Chinese and western culture (part A)". Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 39 (3): 454–63. doi:10.1007/s10803-008-0644-9. PMID 18784992. S2CID 9841086. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:8" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
<li id="fn:9"><p>Golnik AE, Ireland M (2009). "Complementary alternative medicine for children with autism: a physician survey". Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 39 (7): 996–1005. doi:10.1007/s10803-009-0714-7. PMID 19280328. S2CID 35508954. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:9" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
<li id="fn:10"><p>Newsom C.; Hovanovitz C. A. (2005). "The Nature and Value of Empirically Validated Interventions". In Jacobson, Foxx & Mulick (ed.). Controversial Therapies for Developmental Disabilities. Fad, Fashion, and Science in Professional Practice. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. ISBN 0-8058-4192-X.. <a href="0-8058-4192-X" target="_blank">0-8058-4192-X</a> <a href="#fnref:10" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
<li id="fn:11"><p>Lilienfeld S. O. (2002). "Our Raison d'Être". The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice. 1 (1). <a href="http://www.srmhp.org/0101/raison-detre.html" target="_blank">http://www.srmhp.org/0101/raison-detre.html</a> <a href="#fnref:11" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
<li id="fn:12"><p>Weber W, Newmark S (2007). "Complementary and alternative medical therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism". Pediatric Clinics of North America. 54 (6): 983–1006. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2007.09.006. PMID 18061787. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:12" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
<li id="fn:13"><p>Lack of scientific evidence for CAM:
Angley M, Semple S, Hewton C, Paterson F, McKinnon R (2007). "Children and autism—part 2—management with complementary medicines and dietary interventions" (PDF). Australian Family Physician. 36 (10): 827–30. PMID 17925903. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-12-01.
Herbert JD, Sharp IR, Gaudiano BA (2002). "Separating fact from fiction in the etiology and treatment of autism: a scientific review of the evidence". Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice. 1 (1): 23–43.
Schechtman MA (2007). "Scientifically unsupported therapies in the treatment of young children with autism spectrum disorders". Pediatric Annals. 36 (8): 497–8, 500–2, 504–5. doi:10.3928/0090-4481-20070801-12. PMID 17849608.
 <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20071201164323/http://www.racgp.org.au/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/AustralianFamilyPhys/2007issues/afp200710/200710angley.pdf" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20071201164323/http://www.racgp.org.au/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/AustralianFamilyPhys/2007issues/afp200710/200710angley.pdf</a> <a href="#fnref:13" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
</ol>

Alternative therapies for developmental and learning disabilities open-in-new

Alternative therapies for developmental and learning disabilities