ABSTRACT
This chapter examines more detail two examples of alternative treatments; conductive education in Budapest and the Bobath physiotherapy treatment at the Bobath Centre in north London. Bobath Physiotherapy was favoured by more families as the approach seemed to be closer to orthodox treatment methods, and accessing the treatment did not involve travel abroad. Marketing of conductive education may be motivated by believers in the system, but the obvious commercialism adopted in its promotion made many parents wary. Observation of the treatment method revealed intensive individual sessions during which the child was positioned in certain ways to strengthen muscles, reduce contractions, and inhibit abnormal movements. The ten regular Bobath users spoke positively about the treatment, and were involved in a parent-led support group which produced a regular newsletter. One parent employed a sixth former to provide the diversions necessary to absorb the child’s attention while being placed in various positions, for example over the sausage-shaped roll.
