Blog
Aug 20, 2011
Autism and Osteopathy
If you're interested in whether an Osteopathic approach might be able to help those on the Autistic Spectrum, here's what I wrote for the Autistic Holistic Centre ...
Category:What is OsteopathyConditions Osteopathy TreatsCranial Osteopathic Treatment
I am not aware of any strong research-based evidence for manual therapy of any type in the care of people on the Autistic Spectrum, however twenty-five years of studying and practising osteopathic and cranial osteopathic techniques with children and adults, including those with Aspergers and all parts of the Autistic spectrum, has taught me 4 fundamental principles.
1. A Cranial Osteopathic approach can be helpful. It's not a cure-all - it's simply one piece of the jigsaw that I have found to be spot-on for some children.
So, how do you know if it will be right for you or your family member?
I'd look for two clues. Firstly, was there anything unusual about the birth? Too quick? Too slow? Was it traumatic? Was there foetal distress? If casearean then why and when? These are clues that there might have been compression on the baby's skull that may not resolve properly without help. Simple treatment can help this component of the problem quite quickly - say, within approximately 2 to 3 visits. Sometimes it takes longer,
sometimes not.
2. The second indicator for an osteopathic/cranial osteopathic approach, is to ask whether there was a reaction that you might reasonably ascribe to vaccinations? I have seen a cranial osteopathic approach help here too. Not always but - how can I best put this? - definitely sometimes. I know that I sound cautious, but it's simply that this spectrum of conditions is so complicated and it would be wrong of me to offer you any kind of "guarantee".
3. In general, children who are already on an appropriate diet and supplementation have a healthier system and tend to respond to treatment more quickly than they would otherwise.
4. There are some children on the autistic spectrum who may not respond to a Cranial Osteopathic approach at all, but in my opinion a suitably trained Osteopath may be able to evaluate quickly for this possibility, sometimes at the initial visit. I suggest that it's worth getting an assessment to find out whether an osteopathic approach might help your child.
