Why Singaporean parents sought complementary and alternative treatments for their children with disabilities: A brief survey study on their attitudes and preferences

This short article reports the findings based on the data gathered from a brief survey examining why Singaporean parents of children with disabilities pursue complementary and alternative treatments (CAT). The study explores parental attitudes, beliefs, and decision-making factors influencing the use of non-conventional therapies alongside or in place of mainstream medical and educational interventions. Results indicate that hope for improvement, dissatisfaction with conventional outcomes, cultural beliefs, and recommendations from social networks play significant roles in treatment choices. The authors highlight the importance of understanding parental perspectives to foster respectful communication, informed guidance, and collaborative care planning between professionals and families.