Controversial approaches to treating learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder
L. B. Silver
It is estimated that between 3% and 7% of children and adolescents in this
country--up to 4 million--are learning disabled. Of this group, about 20%
also have attention deficit disorder. Many professionals in multiple
disciplines have proposed treatment approaches. When research has been done
to support the approach, the reports and data may be published in journals
not normally read by the practicing physician. When research data are not
available, the information may be in a popular book, newspapers, or lay
magazines or on television. Thus, parents may know of ideas and suggestions
before the professional in clinical practice. These acceptable and
controversial approaches to treatment are reviewed. It is understandable
that a parent would seek out improved ways of helping his or her child. I
reviewed the significant literature in an effort to assist the practicing
physician in providing appropriate parental guidance and clinical
interventions.
