[Controversial or arguable therapies in neurodevelopmental disorders].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the therapies and methods not scientifically documented that more frequently are offer and used for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders.


METHODS
These therapies are divided into three main groups: a) Therapies directed upon brain functioning; b) Therapies directed upon nutritional needs, and c) Others. Parents and close relatives of children with developmental disorders are vulnerable to any person, institution or method that offers a quick and easy solution to their problem. It is a priority that all health professionals are familiar with the unproven therapies, that are offered for the therapy of developmental disorders, so that they can inform, educate and advise correctly to parents and close relatives of their patients. To deal with unproven treatments involves more than analyzing the available scientific data. It is required a comprehension and understanding of the personal and family dynamics in front of a threat of illness or disfunction.


CONCLUSIONS
Responsible and well informed parents in relation to an unproven therapy should be free and have the right to decide whether or not to use a controversial procedure prior to a scientific determination of its validity; they also must keep in mind that at least some procedures, beside of not been useful, could be harmful for the physical, emotional and economical well-being of the patient and/or his family.
Calderón-González
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Departamento de Neurología, Centro Neurológico para Niños y Adolescentes (CENNA), Monterrey, NL, México. racacena@acnet.net
Calderón-Sepúlveda
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D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome