Doman and Delacato postulated that mental retardation represents a failure of the individual to develop through the proper phylogenetic stages. Their treatment modality supposedly stimulates proper development of these stages, each of which must be mastered before progress can be made to the next stage.

There is also no theoretical basis for the belief that patterns can be impressed upon the developing cortex. Brain development is genetically driven and involves a complex sequence of cell growth, migration, organization, and even programmed cell death. Abnormalities in this process can be caused by genetic flaws, toxic insults, infection, or biochemical abnormalities. There is no model by which any of these disparate causes can be influenced by passive, or even active, movement of the neck and limbs. Thirty years of subsequent neurological, embryological, and medical progress have failed to lend any theoretical or clinical support for Doman and Delacato's principles.

In 1982, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a position statement concluding that "patterning" has no special merit, that its proponents' claims are unproven, and that the demands on families are so great that in some cases there may be actual harm in its use. The National Down Syndrome Congress endorsed this statement and displayed it on its Web site for several years .

None confirmed the claims of Doman and Delacato. Some found modest improvements in motor or visuo-spatial skills, but none showed improved intellectual development.

The tragedy of this story does not stem from the fact that patterning is a failed theory. It is regrettable that patterning did not deliver as promised, for any legitimate treatment for brain injured and retarded children would be most welcome. The real tragedy began, however, when Doman and Delacato released their claims for a new dramatic treatment before their theories had been scientifically validated. This behavior, similar to the "cold fusion" fiasco, is more than just professionally irresponsible.

In physics, such behavior is merely bad form; when dealing with the desperate parents of brain injured children, it should be considered cruel. Doman and Delacato were widely criticized for publicizing their unsubstantiated claims and giving false hope to vulnerable parents and their afflicted children.

Doman, Delacato, and their associates incorporated the patterning technique into their program at the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential (IAHP), which was established in Philadelphia in the 1950s and still operates today. A second facility, the National Academy of Child Development (NACD) in Huntsville, Utah, offers patterning as part of their treatment program. The NACD is run by Robert Doman, the nephew of Glenn Doman, although both institutions state that there is no association between the two.

The Doman-Delacato patterning technique is premised on a bankrupt and discarded theory and has failed when tested under controlled conditions. Its promotion with unsubstantiated claims can cause significant financial and emotional damage. Such claims can instill false hope in many people who are already plagued by guilt and depression, setting them up for a further disappointment, guilt, and feelings of inadequacy. The process can also waste their time, energy, emotion, and money. These resources may be taken away from their children. Parents can also be distracted from dealing with the situation in other practical ways and coping psychologically as a family with the reality of having a brain-injured or mentally retarded child. Parents are encouraged, in fact, to remain in a state of denial while they are pursuing a false cure.

Doman RJ, Spitz EB, Zucman E, Delacato CH, Doman G. Children with severe brain injuries: Neurologic organization in terms of mobility. JAMA 174:257, 1960.

Cohen HJ, Birch HG, Taft LT. Some considerations for evaluating the Doman-Delacato "Patterning" method.

Doman G, Delacato CH. Train your baby to be a genius. McCall's magazine, March 1965, p 65.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Policy statement: The Doman-Delacato treatment of neurologically handicapped children. Pediatrics 70:810-812, 1982.

Doman RJ. Food sensitivities: The hidden problems. Journal of the National Academy of Child Development 4(2): 1984.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Policy statement: The Doman-Delacato treatment of neurologically handicapped children. Pediatrics 70:810-812, 1982.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Policy statement: The Doman-Delacato treatment of neurologically handicapped children. Pediatrics 70:810-812, 1982.