How to Choose a Child Therapist
It can be difficult for families to select a mental health provider who relies on empirical research to guide their practice. Unfortunately, there are many people who offer "treatments" that lack research support. At best, these unsupported treatments cost families time and money; at worst, they can be dangerous. The Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology provides guidance on how to find a child psychotherapist who practices in an evidence-based manner.
The Importance of Critical Thinking
Scientists are critical thinkers who look for empirical evidence to support their beliefs. Chapter 3 describes Emily Rosa, a girl who conducted a simple research study to critically examine whether practitioners of therapeutic touch could actually sense the energy fields of their patients. Emily's research was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and discredited therapeutic touch, although it is still taught in some nursing schools today.
Correlation Does Not Equal Causation
Many children first show the signs of autism between 12 and 24 months of age, about the same time they receive important vaccinations. This association has led some people to mistakenly believe that vaccines cause autism. In this short video, pediatrician and infectious disease expert Dr. Paul Offit dispels this myth. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia provides the evidence supporting his assertion.
fMRI Demonstration
In this video, Dr. Colin Sauder shows how researchers use fMRI to measure brain activity in children as they complete cognitive tasks. His study compares the brain activity of children with and without ADHD.
The Case of Aislinn Wendrow
Chapter 3 describes Aislinn Wendrow, a girl with autism who could not communicate with others until she was provided facilitated communication (FC). In this video, you can see how confirmatory and affective biases led to people thinking that FC was a miracle cure. You can also see actual courtroom video of how FC was disproven using critical thinking and careful observation.