Parents of autistic children understand the struggle their children face with day to day tasks. It can be an uphill battle for some. When it comes to treating autism, the level and kind of treatment and care can become controversial. Many choose to go a holistic route. Some choose to go a medical route. Overall, an additional alternative method is often overlooked. Treatment is multi-layered and can be administered in conjunction with a other forms of treatment. Tactile treatment, rather, massage therapy, has shown to be quite effective with those suffering from autism.
Massage therapy has also been found to significantly reduce the severity of autism during early intervention, although it is just as effective in both high-and low-functioning autistic children.
According to liddlekidz.com, “For children with Autism, research has been published indicating that massage may provide relaxation, stress reduction and calm muscle spasms. Research has also demonstrated that this type of intervention may promote more on-task and social relatedness behavior during play, children with ASD show less erratic behavior, and are more attentive after receiving massage therapy. This safe, nurturing touch, along with regular sensory integration, is beneficial in reducing inattentiveness, touch aversion and withdrawal. Over time, touch therapy also helps the child to become more accustomed to tactile stimulation and aides in body awareness. Often by incorporating massage therapy into daily routines, children with Autism experience decreased issues with sleeping.”
It is a fascinating fact that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are quite averse to sights, sounds, smells and touch. Children with Autism are also reported to be quite opposed to physical contact, which makes the success of massage therapy that much more fascinating.
Types of massage therapy are selected according to the needs of the child; what they like, dislike, and level of touch are also taken into consideration. Massage isn’t the only type of therapy that can be used during the treatment of a child with Autism. Essential oils are also quite effective in a variety of ways.
Lavender helps relax the nervous system. Vetiver calms the mind, controls anger, irritability and neurotic behavior. Frankincense helps develop a higher level of consciousness by stimulating the limbic system of the brain. There are other essential oils, and combinations of oils that help children with autism remain calm during transitional periods and to also sleep soundly.
Talk to us about using a combination of essential oils that are best suited to your autistic child during their massage therapy session. We will help you select the best oils for your child’s needs, and to create the most relaxing atmosphere for your child as well. When you call in for your appointment, please let us know if your child suffers from any spectrum disorders and we will accommodate accordingly.
