Acceptable and controversial approaches to treating the child with learning disabilities

There are many professionals in multiple disciplines developing approaches for helping children with learning disabilities. Much of these data and reports are published in journals normally not read by physicians. On occasion, such publications are reported in newspapers or lay magazines. Thus, parents may know of ideas and suggestions before the professional. It is understandable that the parent of a handicapped child would continually seek out improved ways of helping his or her child. The treatment of choice is basically special education. Medication will minimize the hyperactivity and distractability; psychotherapy may minimize the emotional effects. However, special educational therapy for the underlying learning disabilities is essential. No one yet has a rapid or "guaranteed" cure. Parents are often caught in the middle. They turn to their physician for guidance. It is the purpose of this paper to review the significant literature in an effort to assist the family physician in providing this guidance.