The letter was signed by nine professors as well as other experts in the field of child development. They call it a “proliferation” of treatments, and several lack scientific evidence that it can improve developmental problems. Sometimes they are even based on ‘outdated and outdated neurological insights’.
The treatments can also provide ‘misleading information’ about the causes of learning and developmental disorders. Sometimes they create the illusion that children can be cured, for example from autism, ADHD or dyslexia. “It can lead to great disappointment if this does not work,” the experts write. If they receive such an unproven treatment, the children miss out on therapy that can actually help.
The experts call on politicians to no longer finance this care. They have also sent the letter to many organizations in education and healthcare to inform them. For example, the experts see that pediatric physiotherapists receive many questions from parents about these types of treatment methods. “That question is understandable,” says Hadders-Algra. ‘Parents of children with developmental disorders are concerned about their children, they do everything they can to improve their development. If mountains of gold are promised, it is understandable that parents accept them.’
2024-02-08 15:18:50
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