Introduction
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition that affects the development of social, communication, and behavioral skills. Many children with ASD struggle with sensory issues, anxiety, sleep problems, and other challenges that affect their quality of life. While there is no cure for ASD, there are various therapies and interventions that can help these children cope and thrive.
One of these therapies is osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a form of manual medicine that involves applying gentle pressure and movement to the body’s tissues, organs, and joints. OMT can help improve the function of the nervous system, the immune system, the musculoskeletal system, and the lymphatic system. OMT can also help reduce pain, inflammation, and stress.
A Case Series of OMT for ASD
A recent study published in the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine reported the results of OMT for three children with ASD who attended a non-public school for youths with ASD and neurodevelopmental disorders. The study aimed to determine whether OMT can be a safe and effective therapeutic intervention for children with ASD.
The three children received a series of OMT sessions from a pediatrician trained in OMT for at least eight weeks. The OMT provider used various techniques, such as cranial, myofascial, visceral, and lymphatic, to address the specific needs of each child. The OMT provider also monitored the symptoms and progress of each child, along with the primary psychiatrist, the parents, and the teachers.
The Benefits of OMT for ASD
The study found that OMT was well-tolerated by all three children, and no adverse effects were reported. The study also observed that OMT resulted in various improvements in the children’s mood, behavior, communication, and physical health. Some of the benefits reported by the clinicians, teachers, parents, and school administrators were:
- Improved posture, gait, and balance
- Increased awareness, eye contact, and responsiveness
- Enhanced verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Reduced anxiety, aggression, and self-injurious behavior
- Improved classroom performance, peer interaction, and social skills
- Better sleep quality and duration
- Decreased need for medication
The study concluded that OMT was a promising therapy for children with ASD, and that it could complement the conventional interventions, such as behavioral, educational, and pharmacological therapies. The study also suggested that OMT could help address the underlying causes of ASD, such as neurological, immunological, and metabolic dysfunctions.
Implications for Practice and Future Research
The study was one of the few reports on the use of OMT for children with ASD, and it added to the small but growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of OMT for this population. The study also highlighted the need for more research on the mechanisms and outcomes of OMT for ASD, as well as the development of a standardized protocol for OMT delivery and evaluation.
OMT is a holistic and individualized approach that can help children with ASD improve their symptoms and quality of life. OMT can also help foster a positive and trusting relationship between the child, the family, and the provider. OMT is a safe, effective, and natural therapy that can be integrated into the comprehensive care of children with ASD.
Faq
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a system of medicine that emphasizes the interrelationship between the structure and function of the body. Osteopathy recognizes that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself, and that this ability can be enhanced by correcting any disturbances or imbalances in the body’s tissues, organs, and systems.
What are the principles of osteopathy?
The principles of osteopathy are:
- The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.
- The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.
- Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
- Rational treatment is based on an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.
What are the benefits of osteopathy?
Osteopathy can provide various benefits, such as:
- Improving the blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and nerve supply of the body.
- Enhancing the immune system, the endocrine system, and the digestive system of the body.
- Reducing pain, inflammation, and stress in the body.
- Restoring the normal range of motion, alignment, and balance of the body.
- Promoting the overall health and well-being of the body.
What are the types of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)?
OMT is a form of manual medicine that involves applying gentle pressure and movement to the body’s tissues, organs, and joints. OMT can help improve the function of the nervous system, the immune system, the musculoskeletal system, and the lymphatic system. OMT can also help reduce pain, inflammation, and stress. There are various types of OMT, such as:
- Cranial OMT: This type of OMT focuses on the bones, membranes, and fluids of the skull and the spine. Cranial OMT can help regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which nourishes and protects the brain and the spinal cord. Cranial OMT can also help balance the autonomic nervous system, which controls the involuntary functions of the body, such as breathing, heartbeat, and digestion.
- Myofascial OMT: This type of OMT focuses on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia of the body. Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that covers and connects every part of the body. Myofascial OMT can help release any tension, restriction, or adhesion in the fascia, which can affect the posture, movement, and function of the body.
- Visceral OMT: This type of OMT focuses on the internal organs of the body, such as the liver, the spleen, the stomach, and the intestines. Visceral OMT can help improve the mobility, motility, and vitality of the organs, which can affect the digestion, absorption, and elimination of the body.
- Lymphatic OMT: This type of OMT focuses on the lymphatic system of the body, which is a network of vessels, nodes, and organs that transport and filter the lymph fluid. Lymph fluid contains white blood cells, which fight infections and diseases. Lymphatic OMT can help stimulate the flow of lymph fluid, which can enhance the immune system and the detoxification of the body.
How is OMT different from other forms of manual therapy, such as massage, chiropractic, or physiotherapy?
OMT is different from other forms of manual therapy in several ways, such as:
- OMT is based on the principles of osteopathy, which emphasize the interrelationship between the structure and function of the body, and the body’s ability to heal itself.
- OMT is performed by osteopathic physicians, who are trained in both conventional and osteopathic medicine, and who can diagnose and treat various medical conditions, as well as prescribe medications and order tests.
- OMT is tailored to the individual needs of each patient, and it can address not only the symptoms, but also the underlying causes of the patient’s condition.
- OMT can be integrated with other conventional and complementary therapies, such as behavioral, educational, and pharmacological therapies, to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to the patient’s care.
How is OMT delivered to children with ASD?
OMT can be delivered to children with ASD by osteopathic physicians who are trained and experienced in working with this population. The OMT provider will conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination of the child, and identify any areas of dysfunction or imbalance in the child’s body. The OMT provider will then use various techniques, such as cranial, myofascial, visceral, and lymphatic, to address the specific needs of the child. The OMT provider will also monitor the symptoms and progress of the child, along with the primary psychiatrist, the parents, and the teachers.
How long and how often does a child with ASD need OMT?
The duration and frequency of OMT for a child with ASD may vary depending on the child’s age, condition, and response to the treatment. Generally, OMT sessions last for about 30 to 60 minutes, and are given once or twice a week for at least eight weeks. The OMT provider may adjust the treatment plan as needed, based on the child’s feedback and improvement.
What are the possible side effects or risks of OMT for children with ASD?
OMT is generally safe and well-tolerated by children with ASD, and no serious adverse effects have been reported. However, some minor and temporary side effects may occur, such as:
- Soreness, stiffness, or bruising at the site of manipulation
- Headache, fatigue, or drowsiness after the treatment
- Changes in mood, behavior, or sleep patterns as the body adjusts to the treatment
These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few hours or days. The OMT provider will inform the parents and the child about the possible side effects and how to manage them. The OMT provider will also monitor the child for any signs of discomfort or distress during and after the treatment, and modify the treatment accordingly.
How can parents and teachers support the child with ASD who receives OMT?
Parents and teachers can support the child with ASD who receives OMT by:
- Providing a comfortable and calm environment for the child before and after the treatment
- Encouraging the child to drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods to help the body heal and detoxify
- Observing and recording any changes in the child’s symptoms, behavior, communication, and learning
- Communicating with the OMT provider, the primary psychiatrist, and each other about the child’s progress and challenges
- Participating in the OMT sessions, if possible, to learn some techniques that they can apply to the child at home or at school
- Praising and rewarding the child for their efforts and achievements
Source:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1746068923000445