Researchers find inconclusive results after studying the effectiveness of massage therapy for autistic children

By Staff Writer

Experts say children who suffer from autism spectrum disorders exhibit difficulties in communicating, socializing and building relationships. Meanwhile, researchers and parents are seeking the best treatment for individuals with this condition. Many have found that massage or "touch" therapy could have beneficial effects for autistic children.

Researchers from the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM) found that autistic children who received massage therapy and special education showed improvements in their social abilities and "daily living" skills, such as dressing themselves, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

However, after a review of previous research, officials from KIOM found that many of the studies had shortcomings. These studies did not feature more than 50 children and only lasted between one and five months, which could put them at high risk of bias.

Furthermore, KIOM officials told the news source that in some studies, researchers knew which children received massage therapy and which ones had not. As a result, scientists might gravitate toward seeing more progress in those who have received treatment than in those who did not.

Officials added that the effectiveness of this therapy therefore, could not be proven to work based on bias and length of clinical trials. Parents who seek alternative methods to treat symptoms of autism could enroll their child into a therapeutic boarding school, which can help them improve their social skills.