Massage Therapy for Children with Autism

Usually diagnosed by the age of three years, Autism is a
complex developmental condition, which affects a child's
ability to develop normal language, form relationships with
others and respond appropriately to the environment.
Autism is also characterized by early onset of a lack of
attachment, the failure to cuddle as an infant, and an
almost complete disassociation with the environment.
Autism, as we now know it, is incurable and the behaviors
associated with the disorder persist throughout the child's
lifetime.

The lack of communication between parent and child is one
of the most heart wrenching effects of this condition. An
autistic child typically does not express any words of
love, share hugs or show any facial expression in response
to pleasure.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, as
many as half of all autistic individuals remain mute
throughout their life. For those who do develop verbal
language, some use it in odd ways, repeating what they
hear, using single words or failing to structure complete
sentences. The autistic child lacks the ability to make
requests for his needs or to respond appropriately to his
environment.

It has been long believed that an autistic child is
incapable of forming attachment. However, research has
concluded that these children do attach to their parents,
but still remain incapable of acting on this attachment or
responding appropriately.

Many autistic children have sensory malfunction and
dysfunction of the tactile system making them averse to
certain sights, sounds, smells or touch. Given that
autistic children have been reported to be opposed to
physical contact, it is interesting that many massage
therapists, and parents, are finding great success in the
use of massage therapy with autistic children.

Research has found that these children show less autistic
behavior, are more social and attentive after receiving
massage therapy. This safe, nurturing touch and regular
sensory integration is beneficial in reducing
inattentiveness, touch aversion and withdrawal.

Not so commonly known, many autistic children have
significantly lower levels of Oxytocin. Oxytocin is a
hormone which is associated with emotional connections and
feelings of love. It can cause feelings of warmth and
relaxation and a decrease in stress. Numerous research
studies have proven that Oxytocin is released in our bodies
during, and after, receiving nurturing touch. A 2007 study
reported that oxytocin helped autistic individuals retain
the ability to evaluate the emotional significance of
speech and also showed a decrease in autism spectrum
repetitive behaviors.

Many children with autism have problems establishing a
regular sleep pattern and in remaining asleep through the
night. The relaxing benefits of massage and touch therapy
contribute to more restful sleep, including less sleep
disruption and longer sleep duration.

Through the use of massage therapy our basic human need for
safe, nurturing contact is met with often wonderful
results. For children with autism, it provides not only a
positive experience of being touched, but the effects hold
lifelong benefits.

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Looking for expert advice, tips and tools to help improve
your child's health? Find answers to all your questions
about infant massage instruction training, massage for
children and pediatric massage therapy at
http://www.liddlekidz.com . Infant Massage Instructor
Trainer, Tina Allen, founder of leading children's health
and nurturing touch organization Liddle Kidz™, shares over
ten years of expertise working with children and families.