Autism Spectrum Disorder affects one in 68 children and that number is growing quickly. There is great progress being made though early intervention with the support of occupational and speech therapists, but many experts acknowledge a missing piece in this treatment: touch therapy. While most of us take full advantage of our five main senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell), those affected by Autism are typically lacking in two senses that we take for granted: proprioception (where we are in space/body awareness) and vestibular system (balance and coordination). Appropriate massage therapy techniques geared to these kids' special needs can lead to children being more receptive to touch, more focus and engagement in other activities, better motor-skill coordination, better sleep patterns, etc. I offer private one-on-one sessions, group sessions, parent training, and more. Typical sessions last 30 minutes, the parent/guardian must be present at all times, the child remains fully clothed and we sit together on a yoga mat with toys to encourage engagement.
* Allowing the child to completely control when they are ready to accept safe touch allows for me to build trust and respect
* I incorporate tactile toys and/or your child's favorite toy in allowing approach to children, specifically if they are touch-averse.
* Deep pressure touch and muscle isolation/coordination techniques help ASD kids to gain a better perception of body awareness.
* Because many of these kids love repetition and routine, I encourage parent-involvement and training to practice the therapy at home. Many parents express enjoyment of this bonding time together with their child, and in many cases get to experience new milestones in being able to touch their child. Think about it... of all of our senses, touch really is the most important. Infant humans and animals that aren't touched after birth, are more prone to death, illness, lack of development. ASD kids who have sensory dysfunction have difficulty processing touch. They are either hyper-sensitive, meaning touch can be interpreted as very painful. These children can't accept touch, even from their parents, and leads to a self-imposed isolation. Others are hypo-sensitive to touch which means their pain receptors are less acute. Inability to feel or process pain is very dangerous. In addition, the lack of understanding of painful touch can inadvertently be a hazard to those around them. Being able to regulate and process touch, allows for healthy socialization. They can more easily interact without fear. They are more accepting of necessary needs involving touch, such as doctor and dentist appointments, hair cuts, etc. Some kids have some tactile aversion and have little tolerance to important liquids, gels, etc. This includes soaps, shampoos, lotions, sunscreen, etc. I can safely work towards introducing tactile stimulation through safe touch. Touch therapy in combination with at-home repetition with parents/caregivers can help to identify soothing techniques when the child is feeling overwhelmed. When we find what works, I work with teaching the child self-regulation techniques. Understanding the sensory dysfunctions that affect these children, knowing how to read their signals and body language, and keep to routine are a few of the skills required in a good touch therapy session. Being able to make it all look like play makes it great! Please visit my webpage at www.autismtouchtherapy.com for more information. Or contact me any time by email at judi@autismtouchtherapy.com or call 215-428-3898.
