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Autism and MT

Hi, All
What are your thoughts on MT for children with Autism? How do you massage them (sheets on them or no sheets on them, clothes on or off, compresstions or deep)? How do you build clients with these needs? How do you get to be a certified pediatric MT?
I have a 13 year old son with HFA and just became a LMT.

Thanks
Cristina

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dianne Bohr on January 24, 2010 at 3:12pm

Hi Cristina,
I am an Upledger certified CranioSacral Therapist as well as an LMT. I am also a retired early childhood and elementary teacher. With CranioSacral the child's system is calmed. It also works with the soft tissue of the brain to help the brain and cranial nerves function more effectively. This is done fully clothed. With and autistic child I would just spend time with them at first and allow them to get comfortable with the work first. Do this with them fully clothed unless they are a child who doesn't like many clothes. Start with a light but firm touch backing off immediately if you get any resistance. Be very aware of their response to your touch. Some children like a very deep touch and some don't like being touched at all. All will generally be responsive to a gentle, calm touch with little or no movement at first. Once your son experiences the relief he gets from your touch he will ask for the work.
By the way. I am unfamiliar with the turn HFA. Could you tell me what it stands for. So much is included in the Autism spectrum now.

As far as pediatric certification, I don't know of a certification. Several continuing ed programs have training in pediatrics. Upledger does and I believe Barnes does in Myofascial Release.

Dianne

Permalink Reply by Tina Allen on January 26, 2010 at 2:26am

Hi Christina,

Massage for children with autism, and more specifically on the spectrum (ASD), can be very beneficial. Prior to coming up with just one way to massage children with Autism, you should first consider each child individually on a case-by-case basis A diagnosis is important, but not the deciding factor when preparing your plan of providing massage and touch therapy.

Practicing touch therapy with children will vary greatly depending on the child's individual needs. So decisions about using sheets/no sheets, lubricant/no lubricant, having the child fully clothed, working over clothing, using tactile stimulation techniques, sensory integration, etc. are those which come when you have learned all of the information and then customize the sessions based on that child's needs.

If you are looking for a Pediatric Massage Certification Program, visit: http://www.liddlekidz.com/pediatric-massage.html

For further advanced Pediatric Massage Training for Children with Autism (ASD), visit: http://www.liddlekidz.com/autism-massage-training.html

On my website there are articles about using Pediatric Massage with Children who have Autism. Feel free to visit www.LiddleKidz.com for more information.