Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is referred to as ASD or Autism. It is marked by developmental disorders. The three most common symptoms are impaired social interaction, impaired communication, and the occurrence of stereotyped behaviors and restricted interest. There is no cure, but special education programs and behavioral and language therapies are standard in alleviating symptoms. Many turn to alternative approaches of therapy such as art, music, supplements, special diets, and massage therapy.
The cause of the rise and the exact etiology of ASD remain unclear. ASD is multi-factorial, thus no marker gene has been implicated and further studies are underway. ASD is caused by neurological, pathophysiological, psychiatric, biological and environmental factors that cause ASD. In the past few years there seems to be a rise in the prevalence of ASD. The reason could be because of better statistical awareness or it could really be a true rise in prevalence. The varied prevalence rates are about 10-100 per 100,000. There are 4.3 males to 1 female with ASD.
Early intervention in ASD is important. There are several complementary interventions that show some hope such as music therapy, secretin therapy, acupuncture, nutritional supplements, massage therapy and others.
There are over a hundred studies that have been done on massage therapy and ASD. However, according to Lee (2011) only six of these trials met inclusion criteria. Though these studies are not perfect, each of these studies concluded that massage therapy was beneficial and no harm was noted.
One randomized clinical trial found that massage plus conventional language therapy was superior to conventional language therapy alone for symptom and communication attitude. Two randomized clinical trials reported a significant benefit of massage for sensory profile, adaptive behavior, and language and social abilities as compared with a special education program. The fourth randomized clinical trial showed beneficial effects of massage for social communication. Two nonrandomized controlled clinical trials suggested that massage therapy is effective. (Lee, Kim, & Ernst (2011).
It is suggested that a deep tissue massage or a neuromuscular therapy benefits persons with ASD. Owing to their sensory issues, they do not react well to soft massages. Seek a licensed massage therapist in your area. Here is a place you can find someone in your area.
http://www.massageanywhere.com/
http://www.wix.com/polife/pol
If you like to read more about massage and Autism, here are some great articles online from massage journals.
http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/59/Massage-Therapy-for-Autistic-Children
http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/47/Calming-the-Inner-Storm
http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=13157
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References
Escalona, A., Field, T., Singer-Strunck, R., Cullen, C., and Hartshorn, K. (2001). Brief Report: Improvements in the Behavior of Children With Autism Following Massage Therapy. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 31(5): 513-516.
Field, T., Morrow, C., Valdeon, C., Larson, S., Kuhn, C., & Schanberg, S. (1992). Massage reduces anxiety in child and adolescent psychiatric patients. Journal of the American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry, 30, 125-131.
Lee, M.S., Kim, J.I., and Ernst, E. (2011). Massage therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 72(3):406-11.
Tsai, L. (1992). Medical treatment in autism. In Berkell, Dianne E. (Ed.). Autism identification, education, and treatment, pp. 151-184.
Schopler, E., & Reichler, R. (1979). Individualized assessment and treatment for autistic and developmentally disabled children (Vol I). Psychoeducational profile.
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