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Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders pp 1–4Cite as

Patterning (Doman-Delacato Method)

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Definition

The Doman-Delacato method, commonly known as patterning, is designed to improve a child’s “neurological organization” through a series of specific prescribed sensory and motor experiences conducted on a rigorous daily schedule. These methods were presumed to improve functioning of the central nervous system in children with severe brain injuries (Doman et al. 1960).

Historical Background

The Doman-Delacato method is an approach to address neurological functioning by a series of motor activities thought to alter the structure and function of specific areas of the brain. The method was developed by Glen Doman, a physical therapist, and Carl Delacato, a doctor of education. Doman and Delacato focused on maximizing the development of typical children. Spurring what Doman coined as the “Gentle Revolution,” he began to publish books aimed at teaching parents how to make their babies mentally and physically superior. Titles of their published books include “How to Teach Your Baby...

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References and Reading

  • American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Children With Disabilities. (1982). The Doman-Delacato treatment of neurologically handicapped children. Pediatrics, 70, 810–812.

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  • American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Children With Disabilities. (1999). The treatment of neurologically impaired children using patterning. Pediatrics, 104(5), 1149–1151.

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  • Doman, G. J. (1964b). How to teach your baby to read. New York: Random House.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center, 151 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA

    Robert LaRue

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  1. Robert LaRue
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Correspondence to Robert LaRue .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

    Fred R. Volkmar

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LaRue, R. (2017). Patterning (Doman-Delacato Method). In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_1306-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_1306-3

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-6435-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-6435-8

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