How to Treat Autism With Massage Therapy

People with autism have a large number of symptoms that affect them daily. Many of these might be improved with the use of massage therapy. Benefits have been shown for people who are tactile defensive or do not like to be touched. Balance and walking can be improved along with lack of attention and hyperactivity. Although it might be necessary for a professional to introduce and develop a massage therapy plan, it is something that parents and caregivers can learn to do at home. This makes it an affordable treatment plan.

Instructions

Massage Therapy for People with Autism

• 1

  Get to know the person you are doing massage therapy on. This might mean not starting with massage on the first meeting. By setting up a trustful relationship and having a positive vibe with the person, you are more likely to get farther. Allow them to explore the room and any tools or objects in it. When they feel comfortable enough, make physical contact or allow them to select tools to try on themselves.

• 2

  Instead of using a loud voice, whispering may be beneficial. This forces them to become quiet and calmer in order to hear what you are saying.

• 3

  Provide deep touches. These tend to work better than softer touches. Lighter touches provide more sensory stimulation and will often be uncomfortable for a person with autism. Joint compressions also may be used.

• 4

  Respect the preferences of the individual. Since they may not be able to verbalize how they are feeling, it will be especially necessary to follow their body cues.

• 5

  Share skills with the parents. Because many children with autism are not receptive to physical touch, parents are often left feeling a void in that area with their child. By passing on certain skills and things that are found to work during a massage session, you can give the parents the ability to reach their child through touch at home.