Having an autistic child can cause stress, anxiety and disruption in the entire household. Autism Spectrum Disorder is one of the most talked about psychiatric disorders, partly because it effects approximately 1 in 68 children. Autism affects all socioeconomic, ethic and racial groups in most, if not all, countries. Autism, like many disabilities, can’t be cured but the severity can be decreased.Traditional treatments have not worked particularly well and/or have many unwanted side effects.
Qigong massage has been used for thousand of years in China for a variety of illnesses as well as to improve health and wellbeing. Numerous studies confirm it’s positive effects. Because Qigong has been shown to improve many physical and psychological diseases, researchers conducted a review of scientific studies in 2019 to determine if Qigong would be beneficial for behavioral conditions. The researchers evaluated 103 records, including the quality of the methodologies used. Qigong had a positive effect and appeared to improve behavior, self-control, sociability, language and cognitive awareness. However, the researchers determined that more rigorously controlled studies need to be undertaken before Qigong could be considered an alternative to traditional behavioral therapies..
Dr. Louisa Silva, MD, MPH, is a doctor of Western medicine, Chinese medicine, and public health. She is also a professor with the Teaching Research Institute, Western Oregon University which develops and researches treatments that are “gentle, effective and affordable” for children with disabilities, particularly autism. Dr. Silva is the leading researcher in massage protocols for children, founder of The Qigong Sensory Training (QST) Institute in Oregon and co-author of many studies on Qigong. QST massage is a treatment that can be taught to Special Education programs as well as parents to help lessen the severity of autism.
Dr. Silva’s research shows that “all children with autism have problems with touch.” Although the reason remains unknown. Parents are the “greatest resources and advocates” for their children. QST is a 12 step, whole body massage that usually takes about 15 minutes and is usually done by parents at bedtime. There is a specific order to the massage, although techniques are adapted for individual children depending on their response.
According to the article: Is QST Autism Massage Right for My Child?, QST massage is safe for children under 12 years of age. Besides being the least expensive therapy, the article states that is the only autism therapy that is effective for all the symptoms and all the children on the autism spectrum. Several tools have been created to use before, during and every six months of treatment until scores are normal and the child has received maximum benefit. It is suggested that parents work with a qualified therapist to help master the skills needed to provide daily therapy. By the end of two years many children “move off the spectrum” while overall severity is reduced by 44%.
In 5 Top Reasons Qigong May be Right for Your Special Needs Child, Sazini Nzula, PhD and Certified QST Therapist, talks about the struggle parents with a special needs child go through trying to choose the correct therapy for their child. In her article in Autism Parenting Magazine, Dr. Nzula states that she was skeptical when first introduced to QST but found that the massage was easy to learn. She was amazed at the improvement in her child’s symptoms and in their family life. Parents become empowered and knowledgeable by learning this “family based”, cost-effective therapy. Many parents witnessed improved language and motor skills, including dexterity. Improvements in mood, sleep, eye contact, and self regulation have also been noted. Unfortunately, according to Dr. Nzula, not all parents are aware of QST Therapy.
Like most therapies and forms of exercise, there are differing opinions regarding QST for children. Parents usually try many different therapies for their child. Insurances cover some but not all therapies. Often, parents spend countless hours and large sums of money trying to find the right therapy. While there are those therapies that really do help, there are also some therapies and medications that are dangerous and can cause harm. Parents are advised to do their own research but also consult with medical professionals that they trust.
Addendum:
What about the parents? In the July 2014 issue of Pediatrics, a controlled 6 week mindfulness study trial was conducted with mothers of children on the autism spectrum. Mindfulness treatment, consisting of “meditation, breathing exercises, and Qigong”, was compared with positive psychology practice. After the six weeks of treatment (and again six months after treatment ended), it was determined that Qigong (mindfulness treatment) significantly reduced stress, anxiety, improved sleep, decreased depression and improved their satisfaction with life.