Special needs massage....

[etenn]

Does anyone have any suggestions for book and articles relating to bodywork for special needs children and adults, ie. autism, cp, etc?
I have scouted about a bit, and have found some really informative articles about autism, but nothing in the way of info for bodyworkers. Any suggestions?

 

[Pompal 09.]

I would look up Pediatrics and Physical Therapy. There was a lot of info throughout those topics that do relate to what we do... that was my previous path in life. You may be able to get into the APTA website to research. I haven't done it in a while, but it is worth a shot.

 

[froglady]

Massage & Bodywork Magazine has had some nice articles. Here's a link to a recent one on the Anat Baniel Method (ABM) of bodywork for children with special needs:
http://www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/DecJan2007/possibilities.html

Here's an article on Cranio-Sacral Therapy with Dolphins & children with Special Needs:
http://www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/OctNov2005/Dolphin.html

Here's an article on treatments for Cerebral Palsy:
http://www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/DecJan2003/RightCombination.htm

Here's a link to an article on Massage Today about massage for people with Autism:
http://www.massagetoday.com/archives/2005/02/04.html

Then, if you check out Touch Research Institute's websites, you'll see summaries of research studies. There are 3 listed for Autism, one for CP, one for Cystic Fibrosis, one for Down Syndrome, and lots for Preemies:
http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/research.htm

Hope that Helps!

 

[???????? ????]

Gayle McDonald has a couple of good ones out. I have Massage for the Hospital and Medically Frail Client and - I think the name is just Pediatric Massage. Both are put out by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

 

[my my metrocard]

Have done craniosacral w/ an autistic adult male client - soothed him and calmed him when meds didn't

Working currently w/ an older client living in a care center who has mild dementia -- between her advanced age and the meds her skin is more frail than tissue paper --- intent, energy work, and an extremely gentle touch on hands and arms only work well with her

 

[MargieY]

Some people with special needs have sensory issues - this can impact what type of touch they're able to tolerate. Some need a firm pressure - it helps to soothe them. Although I've had really good success using cranial work as AnastasiaB mentioned. Even with kids who's parents say they won't stay still, or can't stand to have their head touched. The cranial work can have a really nice effect on them and help them settle in to their parasympathetic.

Lisa

 

[smile]

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Appreciated the question and generous responses on this thread. Morgen, what else have you uncovered?

I work with a young boy with autism in H.S. He did not make eye contact . While identifying pics of items usually I point and ask him what it is and ask him to hand it to me. We came across a pic of a candy kiss and I simply said "give me a kiss". He made immediate eye contact, looked down at the pic then eye contact again. Without breaking eye contact he brought the pic up to his lips, kissed it, and handed it to me! Other issues abound but it's a rare day we don't have eye contact.

 

[Aditya]

Holley,

If you get a chance, read John Upledger's book, "Your Inner Physician and You". In it he describes some of the work he did in Flint, Michigan with autistic individuals w/ CST and their particular responses to it. It might give you a few ideas ..........

J