Conventional treatment approaches for individuals with autism spectrum disorders includes touch-based treatment and passive movement of the body joint range of motion, stretching as well as active movement motor skill training and exercise. The techniques used in these types of treatments are distinctly similar to—or the same as—techniques used by massage therapists, personal trainers, and other providers of fitness & wellness services. This workshop will provide an overview of the clinical presentation of autism spectrum disorders and treatment for associated symptoms. Specific examination will include how massage and movement techniques are used in treatment and the evidence-base for effects on associated symptoms. Strategies to include massage and movement modalities as integrative treatments will be explored. Objectives: At the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to: Recognize the range of conditions on the autism spectrum and associated symptoms. Summarize human senses and recognize how they present in symptoms that are associated with autism spectrum disorders. Identify tactile characteristics and how they are presented in different massage and movement modalities. Compare and contrast the effects of active and passive movement on sensory awareness and motor skills. Draw information from research to initiate an evidence-based discussion about potential effects of massage and movement on symptoms that are associated with autism spectrum disorders. Identify potential ways to collaborate through movement and massage treatment with individuals who have autism spectrum disorders and where applicable their parents/caregivers. Conventional treatment approaches for individuals with autism spectrum disorders includes touch-based treatment and passive movement of the body joint range of motion, stretching as well as active movement motor skill training and exercise. The techniques used in these types of treatments are distinctly similar to—or the same as—techniques used by massage therapists, personal trainers, and other providers of fitness & wellness services. This workshop will provide an overview of the clinical presentation of autism spectrum disorders and treatment for associated symptoms. Specific examination will include how massage and movement techniques are used in treatment and the evidence-base for effects on associated symptoms. Strategies to include massage and movement modalities as integrative treatments will be explored. Objectives: At the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to: Recognize the range of conditions on the autism spectrum and associated symptoms. Summarize human senses and recognize how they present in symptoms that are associated with autism spectrum disorders. Identify tactile characteristics and how they are presented in different massage and movement modalities. Compare and contrast the effects of active and passive movement on sensory awareness and motor skills. Draw information from research to initiate an evidence-based discussion about potential effects of massage and movement on symptoms that are associated with autism spectrum disorders. Identify potential ways to collaborate through movement and massage treatment with individuals who have autism spectrum disorders and where applicable their parents/caregivers.
