| Do talk about the different kinds of therapies families may have tried to help their child. |
| Do not wait for families to bring it up. |
| Ask in an open-minded, nonjudgmental fashion. Avoid using potentially pejorative terms such as "unproven," "unconventional," or "alternative." |
Elicit further information with questions about specific therapies: - Have you tried any herbal therapies, such as echinacea or ginkgo?
- Have you tried any dietary therapies, like avoiding wheat or milk?
- Have you sought care from any other health professionals, such as acupuncturists or chiropractors?
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Elicit the values, beliefs, and influences that led parents to these therapies: - Suggested by family members?
- Consistent with their religious, spiritual, or cultural beliefs?
- Value of natural or organic approaches?
- Fear of side effects of mainstream treatments?
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| Whenever possible, join with the caregivers and support their decision to pursue avenues that may help their child; be an ally rather than a tyrant. |
| Ask how well the family thinks the therapies worked or did not work before offering your opinion. |
| Offer to talk with other therapists involved in the child's care to better maintain coordinated, comprehensive care. |
| Offer to learn more to help answer the family's questions. |
| Offer families additional information and resources to address their questions about alternative and complementary therapies. |
