CranioSacral Therapy and Autism

A standout among the popular methods of alternative health care treatments is CranioSacral therapy. This gentle yet powerful therapy works with the body, instead of forcefully imposing changes upon it. A light-touch manual therapy, CranioSacral therapy (CST) enhances the body's natural healing process. For nearly 30 years it has been shown to be effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and loss of function. CST is useful as both a primary treatment method and combined with other traditional or complementary techniques.

CST is a very useful tool in the treatment of children with autism. A skilled practitioner will be able to evaluate the CranioSacral rhythm through the use of their hands. The manual stretching of the restrictive dura matter by the use of CranioSacral therapy techniques has provided impressive improvement with autism. In autistic children this release of restrictive tissues leads to changes in sensory integration. It has been my experience that when these compressions in the cranial vault are released it has often resulted in the child's ability to demonstrate love and affection, improved socialization, improved speaking ability, improved ability to connect with others, including increased eye contact.

The treatment I suggest for autistic children is regular CranioSacral therapy until the child is fully-grown. This treatment is best administered on a weekly basis at least initially until it can be administered at longer intervals if close watch is kept for signs of regression. I also encourage parents to learn some of the CranioSacral therapy techniques themselves by providing ShareCares. ShareCares are a one-day workshop designed for lay-people to learn a few simple techniques in CranioSacral therapy.