Autistic MassageAutistic Massage

By: Jennifer Alexander

Sarah Quigley

Vanessa Breadner

Next

Previous

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

About Autism

Effects of Massage

Case Study #1, 2 & 3

Conclusion

References

Next

Previous

About Autism...About Autism...

Autism is a neurological disorder that takes its influence on the regular performance of the brain.

Autism is often defined as an intricate developmental disability that would normally appear within the first three years of life.

Autism places a great influence on the normal development of the brain.

The neurological disorder is life long, there is not yet a known cure for Autism.

Next

Previous

About Autism Cont’dAbout Autism Cont’d

The common traits of autism are as follows: “1. Impaired ability to engage in social

interaction 2. Impaired communication skills 3. Specific behavioural patterns (e.g.,

preoccupation, resistance to change, adherence to non-functional routines, stereotyped and repetitive behaviours)”. (DeBoer, 2006 )

Next

Previous

About Autism Cont’dAbout Autism Cont’d

The symptoms can vary from: “1. Lack of significant peer to peer relations 2. Repetitive & self stimulating behaviours 3. Lack of consistent eye contact 4. Low attention span for human interactions 5. Developmental Delays

Next

Previous

About Autism Cont’dAbout Autism Cont’d

6. Language challenges 7. Self help skills 8. Academics 9. Injurious behaviours (Westphal, K. 2008).

Next

Previous

Benefits of MassageBenefits of Massage

Many massage therapists and parents are finding success in the use of massage therapy for autistic individuals, because the majority them are opposed to physical contact

Research shows that autistic individuals show less autistic behaviour, and are more social and attentive after receiving massage therapy

Next

Previous

Benefits of Massage Cont’dBenefits of Massage Cont’d

Autistic persons have low levels of Oxytocin. (Oxytocin is a hormone associated with emotional connections and love)

In 2007, a study showed that Oxytocin helps autistic individuals have the ability to be aware of emotional connections

Next

Previous

Benefits of Massage Cont’dBenefits of Massage Cont’d

After receiving nurturing touch, for example a massage,Oxytocin is released in the body which creates warm and relaxing feelings as opposed to stress.

This shows a decrease with autistic behaviours, and less disruptful sleep.

Massage helps the individual by having a positive experience with touch, the effects can be lifelong

Next

Previous

Case Study #1Case Study #1

Jonathan Clark (RMT) teaches children with developmental and communication disorders

Thinking that getting a Massage enables him to relax and focus, he thought it would do the same for these students

Started a pilot study in his class with the consent of school officals and parents

Treated an 11-year- old Autistic Male

http://www.rejuvenationcentre.ca/images/homeslides/image12.jpg

Next

Previous

Case Study #1 Cont’dCase Study #1 Cont’d

“His attention span was very short and he would only attend to tasks for one to two minutes at a time. This coupled with other issues, led to severe behaviour problems. Uncontrolled fits of anxiety and rage were noted throughout the school day.”

“Amazingly, this same student was receptive to the hour-long massage sessions (primarily head and facial) Clark administered for nine consecutive days. On the days he received massage, hthe student’s behaviour improved dramatically, “his attention span was increased from two minutes to 10 minutes,” said Clark.

“He would attend to tasks longer and was more receptive to interaction and redirection in the classroom.”

http://www.cleansafeenergy.org/Portals/0/Classroom.jpg

Next

Previous

Case Study #2Case Study #2

21-year-old Male with autism, moved to a group home

He never allowed much touch, including hugs

When touched he would push their hand away and run to be by himself

http://www.hagerstown-real-estate.com/HOME_CARTOON.jpg

Next

Previous

Case Study #2 Cont’dCase Study #2 Cont’d

Treatment team decided to focus on tactile defectiveness, and increase verbal skills

Six months after, the client began to accept assistance, and his verbal skills improved because he was learning the names of different body parts

Next

Previous

ConclusionConclusion

It is Obvious that people with Autism have a lot of gain by having Massage therapy

Not only improvements in their overall Health but in the Social and Emotional Skills as well

It also improves their Quality of Life

Next

Previous

Conclusions Cont’dConclusions Cont’d

Positive touch results in the ability of the autistic individual to be able to communicate with the therapist/ others in a non verbal way, because in some cases they cannot communicate through the use of words

Next

Previous

ReferencesReferences Westphal, K. (2008). What is Autism?. Retrieved on February 24, 2009, from

http://www.kylestreehouse.org/understanding/symptoms-of-autism.aspx DeBoer, L. (2006 February). Symptoms of Autism. Retrieved on February 17,

2009, from www.autism.ca/whataut.htm). Regina-Whiteley, Michael (2005 February). Autsim and Treatment with

Therapeutic Massage. Retrieved February 24, 2009, from http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=13157

Vanderbilt, Shirley. (2003). Calming the Inner Storm: Easing Autsitic Behavious with Massage Therapy. Retrieved February 24, 2009, from http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/47

Spencer, Tamera (2009). Benefits of Massage Therapy For Autistic Children. Retrieved February 23,2009, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Massage-Therapy-For-Autistic-Children&id=1880072

Kidz Liddle Allen, Tina (August 15,2007). Autistic Children and Oxytocin. Retrieved February 20th, 2009, from http://www.articlealley.com/article_202293_23.html