Treating Autism

Craniosacral therapy manipulates the bones of the skull and the underlying membranes to alleviate pressure and restrictions. The Upledger Institute in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, uses craniosacral therapy to help treat autism. John Upledger, D.O., Medical Director of the Upledger Institute, reports that over one hundred autistic children have been treated at the Institute. In these children, he found a pattern of cranial restrictions in autistic individuals consistent with developmental distortions of the brain, spinal cord, and the bones of the skull. Manipulation seeks to improve the range of motion in the craniosacral system (brain, spinal cord, surrounding membranes, as well as the bones of the skull and spine) in people with autism, and produces improvements in behavior.

Craniosacral Therapy

"As corrections are made, self-abusive behavior such as head banging abates entirely or reduces in severity," says Dr. Upledger. He believes that the effectiveness of the craniosacral treatments may be due to alleviating long-standing internal head pain.¹⁷ According to Bill Stager, D.O., of the Upledger Institute, "The light touch, hands-on therapy reduces antisocial and self-destructive behavior. It takes two to three treatments for the patient to get familiar with the therapist and begin to respond. After that, progress is quite rapid." Substantial changes are seen within ten to twenty sessions, given weekly. A concentrated, two-week program, with sessions eight hours a day for five days, is also available for out-of-town patients. Therapy must be continued over the years to maintain the benefits.

Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., of London, England, also reports that a combination of cranial osteopathy (a form of craniosacral therapy) and nutritional treatment offers an effective therapy for autistic children.