AUTISM OVERVIEW

Autism is a complex disorder which affects a persons ability to interact with the world
around them.

Signs of autism include poor language development, unusual or repetitive

behaviours and a diminished interest in other people. Typically, there are significant
concerns about the persons social interaction, communication or behaviour before a
diagnosis of autism is made.

Autism is a puzzling disorder. It is often difficult to understand the behaviour of

people with autism, and the world can be a confusing place for the person involved.
Autism affects approximately one in 160 individuals, with males being more likely to
be diagnosed than females. It is characterized by early onset of a lack of attachment,
the failure to cuddle as an infant, and an almost complete disassociation with the
environment. Children and adults display varying degrees of tactile ( touch)
defensive, behaviours. A person who withdraws when touched, displays aggressive
behaviors, or even refuses to eat certain foods because of their textures manifests
this dysfunction of the tactile system

Autism is a developmental disability thought to have neurological or genetic causes

(or both). However, the cause of autism is not yet fully understood and there is no
known cure. A person with autism has difficulties in some areas of their
development, but other skills may develop typically.

The areas most likely to be affected include communication, social interaction and
difficulty with flexibility of thought and play. People with autism often have a
restricted range of interests, and repetitive or stereotyped behaviours.

Communication
People with autism often have difficulty with language. They are likely to have
difficulty expressing their needs, wants, ideas, experiences and opinions. There can
be difficulties using appropriate grammar and vocabulary, and in constructing
meaningful sentences.

As well, not understanding the meaning and purpose of body language and the
spoken and written word are also likely to be evident. Individuals with autism may
misunderstand words, interpret them literally or not understand them at all. Other
peoples feelings and emotions can also be difficult to understand.

Social interaction
Social interaction is an essential part of life for most people. However, one of the
most significant problems for people with autism is difficulty with social skills.

This may mean that they appears disinterested in others, ‘aloof’ or unable to engage
in social interactions. They may have difficulty using or interpreting non-verbal
communication (such as eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions), have
difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships, or appear disinterested in the
experiences and emotions of others.
Some people with autism appear to be withdrawn and can become isolated, others
try very hard to be sociable but may not seem to get it right.

Behaviour
There is a range of behaviours commonly linked with autism ,these behaviours are
often barriers in communication

These may include:

 Language absent, delayed or abnormal patterns.

 Play isolated, repetitive, a preference for predictable play, difficulty with
flexible thinking, such as pretending that a box is a boat or a stick is a horse.
 Body movements stereotypical behaviour, such as flapping and toe walking,
and other behaviours that may cause self-injury, such as hand biting.
 Restricted or obsessive behaviour – with favourite topics, objects, places,
people or activities.
 Rituals and routines bring some order to chaos and confusion. A change to
routine can result in the individual displaying high levels of stress, anxiety or
acting out.
 Tantrums can be a way to express extreme confusion, stress, anxiety, anger
and frustration when unable to express their emotions in another way.

Sensory sensitivities – to certain sounds, colours, tastes, smells and textures.

Many autistic children have sensory malfunction and dysfunction of the tactile
system making them averse to certain sights, sounds, smells or touch. Given that
autistic children have been reported to be opposed to physical contact, it is
interesting that many massage therapists, and parents, are finding great success in
the use of massage therapy with autistic children.

Research has found that these children show less autistic behavior, are more social
and attentive after receiving massage therapy. This safe, nurturing touch and regular
sensory integration is beneficial in reducing inattentiveness, touch aversion and
withdrawal.

 Treatment Considerations for communication barriers & averting conflict.

If the client starts to display behaviours ,such as repetitive noises or actions, or even
the start of aggressive acts, the theory of Whispers may apply, simply by lowering
your voice to a whisper requires the client to cease whatever behaviour being
exhibited and move in closer in order to hear what you are saying thus focusing their
attention.

Beginning with deep touch (as opposed to light strokes) is the first step in accepting
nurturing touch to avoid the response of tactile defensiveness. Engage the child in
music of their choice and a quiet atmosphere. Place your hands on his/her upper
back or back of the head for a long as they allow it. If no resistance is met, proceed
and do a back or head massage using deeper strokes. If resistance is met, remove
your hand, wait a few seconds, and then return your hand to its original position.
Although some children will resist you touching their hands, another approach is to
use the child's own hand to do the massage on the arm or hand if the child is
apprehensive. Be sure to explain to the child what you are going to do in a low voice
always be clear and concise. Keep the sessions brief at first to acclimate your client
to the touch.

When the focus is to decrease distractibility or hyperactivity, your primary objective

would be to provide the "relaxation effect." Getting a client with autism to participate
in a full-body massage is unlikely but you should work as much as the client will
allow. If the client has a high enough cognitive level, you can incorporate some
tense-relax-tense exercises into his or her routine to teach relaxation skills.
Breathing exercises may also be used to facilitate the client's participation in their
treatment. Be sure to acknowledge the client's active involvement with verbal praise.

Many children with autism also experience hyper tonicity of the foot and leg muscles,
a propensity toward toe walking giving the appearance of clumsiness, and a
tendency to fall. Deep kneading and petrissage is helpful on the gastrocnemius and
soleus; however, don't go too deep with the tibialis anterior and peroneus brevis.
Usually the foot becomes so relaxed that flat-foot walking is common immediately
after massage work is done. Be sure to spend time on the plantar muscle groups at
all three layers. Remember that the deeper work is more accepted by individuals
with autism

Not so commonly known, many autistic children have significantly lower levels of
Oxytocin.

Oxytocin is a hormone which is associated with emotional connections and feelings

of love. It can cause feelings of warmth and relaxation and a decrease in stress.
Numerous research studies have proven that Oxytocin is released in our bodies
during, and after, receiving nurturing touch. A 2007 study reported that oxytocin
helped autistic individuals retain the ability to evaluate the emotional significance of
speech and also showed a decrease in autism spectrum repetitive behaviors.

Many children with autism have problems establishing a regular sleep pattern and in
remaining asleep through the night. The relaxing benefits of massage and touch
therapy contribute to more restful sleep, including less sleep disruption and longer
sleep duration.

Through the use of massage therapy, our basic human need for safe, nurturing
contact is met with often wonderful results. For children with autism, it provides not
only a positive experience of being touched, but the effects hold lifelong benefits.
The massage therapist must have the interest to develop the necessary
communication techniques to understand and meet those needs in this population.
Most importantly, they must desire the interest and willingness to provide the
services. To do so is not likely to result in radical changes in the person's disability,
but it is likely to improve the quality of their life