The use of CranioSacral therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Benefits from the viewpoints of parents, clients, and therapists

Effect of Osteopathic Manipulation in an Autism Spectrum Child With Speech Impairment and Attention Deficit: A Case Report

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Children with ASD often experience comorbidities such as speech impairment and attention deficit, which can significantly impact their quality of life and ability to engage in daily activities. This case report aims to investigate the potential benefits of osteopathic manipulation in addressing speech impairment and attention deficit in a child diagnosed with ASD. A four-year-old male child diagnosed with ASD, presenting with speech impairment and attention deficit, received a series of osteopathic manipulation sessions over a period of 12 weeks. The treatment protocol was tailored to address musculoskeletal dysfunctions, cranial restrictions, somatic dysfunctions, and digestive system dysfunctions identified through osteopathic assessment. Following the osteopathic manipulation sessions, improvements were observed in the child's speech fluency and attention span. The child demonstrated increased engagement in communication activities and showed enhanced focus during therapy sessions. Additionally, improvements were noted in the child's overall behavior and social interaction skills. This case report suggests that osteopathic manipulation may be a beneficial adjunctive therapy for children with ASD experiencing speech impairment and attention deficit. Further research with larger sample sizes and controlled study designs is warranted to validate these findings and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed improvements. Osteopathic manipulation holds promise as a non-invasive, holistic approach to addressing various aspects of ASD, contributing to the multidisciplinary management of this complex condition.

Manual physical therapy as a novel treatment modality for Autism spectrum disorder - A pilot study

Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) fall under neurodevelopmental disorders and are characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. The current available treatments aim at functional rehabilitation with resultant partial improvement in few and the persistent handicap in rest of them. Manual physical therapy or manual manipulation therapy has the basis in structural rehabilitation of the patient and has been proposed to act by both peripheral and central mechanisms. Case presentation To study improvement in different components of ASD by manual physical therapy, the therapy comprised of soft tissue therapy, in the form of myofascial release (MFR) of deep fascia of leg and foot muscles. The child with ASD, treated by manual physical therapy had global improvement in all the deficits. Conclusions This is probably first case of autism reported to have almost complete symptom resolution, with any single form of treatment and this form of therapy holds promise in integrative and holistic management of the patient.