Live Life Natural Therapies

Massage Therapy for Children with Special Needs

Research indicates that massage therapy is beneficial for children with with special needs, for example in reducing muscle spasticity in cerebral palsy, or as a supportive therapy in autism.

Positive effects of massage in autism include enhanced sleep patterns, improved self-regulatory behaviour, reduced hyperactivity and sterotypical behaviour, increased social relatedness during play and greater feelings of attachment between parent and child.

Have a qualified massage instructor teach you the strokes, timing, cues and environment to enable you to confidently share the gift of massage with your child.

Research Studies

• children with autism receiving regular massage exhibited less stereotypic behavior and showed more on-task and social relatedness behavior during play observations at school, and they experienced fewer sleep problems at home (J Autism Dev Disord. 2001 vol. 31 (5) pp. )513-6

• giving massage to children with autism may help to enhance the emotional bond between parent and child; children continued to ask for massage at home  (J Child Health Care. 2005 vol. 9 (4) pp. 245-55)

Fee

$120 for two sessions in the familiar environment of your own home