The Indian Journal of Pediatrics

, Volume 72, Issue 11, pp 949–952 | Cite as

Complementary and alternative medicine in developmental disabilities

Symposium on Developmental and Behavioral Disorders-II

Abstract

Developmental disabilities (DD) are defined as a diverse group of severe chronic conditions due to mental and/or physical impairments. Individuals with developmental disabilities have difficulty with major life activities including language, mobility, and learning. Developmental disabilities can begin anytime during development — from prenatal up to 22 years of age, and the disability usually lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. Autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are common conditions falling within the definition of developmental disabilities. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming increasingly utilized in the general population for treatment of everything from the common cold to complex and chronic medical conditions. This article reviews the prevalence of different types of CAM used for various developmental disabilities.

Key words

Alternative medicine Complementary medicine Mind-body intervention Energy therapies 
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Copyright information

© Dr. K C Chaudhuri Foundation 2005

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Kalamazoo Center for Medical StudiesMichigan State University College of Human MedicineKalamazooUSA

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