Abstract

WACHELKE, João Fernando Rech; NATIVIDADE, Jean Carlos; FAGGIANI, Robson Brino  and  ANDRADE, Alexsandro Luiz de. Contributions and limitations of the Doman-Delacato method in the context of special education. Rev. bras. educ. espec. [online]. 2004, vol.10, n.03, pp.309-320. ISSN 1413-6538.

A constant movement of analysis and evaluation of methods and conceptions directed towards the field of special education is considered necessary, so that it can be assured that practices in this area are valid and based upon a coherent and scientific body of knowledge. With this same concern, the present essay aims at presenting the general characteristics, contributions and limitations of a specific treatment method adopted in contexts turned to special education, in the national and international levels: the Doman-Delacato method, practiced in institutions worldwide, including Brazil. The existence of studies able to prove the method’s efficacy and the validity of its supporting theory, the method’s compatibility with widely accepted notions in the field of special education and the practical implications for the involved people of adopting the method were the criteria used to evaluate the method. After presenting and discussing those aspects of this practice in special education, we conclude, agreeing with several authors, that it is an inefficient method, marked by a large amount of mistakes in its theoretical presuppositions, and whose intensity to be executed is exaggerated and unnecessary. The case of this method in special education stresses the need of strengthening the bonds between the production of scientific knowledge and the execution of professional interventions in special education, reassuring society that only practices with an empirical basis are definitely adopted.

Keywords : Controversial Practices; Doman-Delacato Method; Patterning.

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