Massage and Special Needs Children

"Special Needs" is an umbrella underneath which a staggering array of diagnoses can be wedged. Children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound cognitive impairment; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems. The designation is useful for getting needed services, setting appropriate goals, and gaining understanding for a child and stressed family.”1

The power of massage and holistic treatments is often ignored for what it can do because my insurance does not pay for it! As a society we are strongly encouraged to take medication and simply leave it at that. But as children grow and bodies change so does the dosage and strength of the drug. The long term side effects and dependency for life is not an attractive outlook for a six year old. A holistic life style for some children/families is not easy and can be financially challenging. But several studies have proven time and time again that children are just as healthy or healthier with a consistent diet and body awareness healing program allowing them to at least reduce their drug intake or even withdraw all together.

Holistic programs that include massage become the new drug aiding the body in one key component, better sleep. Benefits which most parents are aware of but may not believe are:

Reduces anxiety and stress

Stimulates release of endorphins (happy hormones) that induce feelings of well-being

Promote better sleep

Stimulates awareness and focus

Stimulates the central nervous system which is important for both neurological and motor development

Stimulates the flow of lymph and elimination of toxins which will aid the immune system and help resistance to infections

stimulates circulation and increases the flow of oxygen around the body

Stimulates digestion and elimination of waste thus helping with colic or constipation. It may also help premature babies absorb food and gain weight more easily

Encourages muscle co-ordination

Improves skin condition

Can aid recovery from childhood ailments such as asthma, catarrh, eczema

Families with special needs children have read more technical articles regarding their issues and what is effective or not. The following power point not only shares the benefits (listed above) but is a small glimpse of some methods on massage that help. This power point may not answer all your questions but give you an idea of what can take place in a session, with the understanding that the child will dictate the session. That means the therapist will take behavioral cues and body movement cues from the child each time they walk in. They may have one thing planned for the day but will adjust according the young clients mood/behavioral. 

Massage for children with special needs' presentation

www.ndcs.org.uk/document.rm?id=5759

One of the most important steps in the holistic healing process is the communication during the session with the child. Good/fun keywords for them are important, giving them back the power to describe who they are. Massage is not a onetime event and the family has to be committed and an active participant. Session should not only take place with the therapist, but families should have tools to take home with them.

Sharon Scubla LMT    “Let The Tension Go”

1: What Are "Special Needs"? By Terri Mauro, About.com Guide