Discover Craniosacral Therapy for Autism Spectrum, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorders

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of treating the membranes and cerebral spinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This treatment assists the self-corrective nature of the nervous system by freeing up tight structures, thus leading to reduced pain and stress, strengthening immune system recovery, improving information movement through the nerve channels, and enhancing health and well-being. Because it’s so gentle, CST has proven effective for people of all ages, for all kinds of problems affecting the nervous system.

How is CST Performed?

A CST session can last a few minutes to over an hour. An intensive treatment series can also be arranged outside of usual and customary appointments. CST can be used alone or integrated with other therapies to enhance well-being. It is performed with the child fully clothed, and seated up on a padded massage table, if possible, or in whatever position is most comfortable for the child. For some children, treatment occurs while they are using sensory integration supports, playing, rocking, or moving about the treatment room. Therapists look to create a soothing therapy environment that is tailored to each child’s needs while involving the family or caregiver. The sessions are generally deeply relaxing, and create feelings of warmth and a softening of the tissues that are tight.

CST has been observed to improve the following functions:

• Normalize reactions to sensations

• Achieve calmness and focus; readiness to learn and interact

• Feel sensory feedback, so body and hands start doing more things

• Communication abilities (verbal and nonverbal)

• Self cares: toileting, eating meals, and dressing

• Quality of life, which also reduces family stress

The Role of CranioSacral Therapy in Assisting with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders)

CST has been reported in research to help alleviate or diminish the following:

• Sleep disturbances; shallow breathing

• Irritability, erratic, and repetitive behaviors

• Sensory overload, tantrums, anxiety, and fight-flight

• Head banging and other self-abusive mutilation

• Self-stimulation behaviors—toe walking, hand flapping, and noise making

• Aggression and intense sensory seeking

The Role of CranioSacral Therapy in Assisting with Neurodevelopment Disorders (Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders)

How CST fits into a person’s therapy program:

• Helps address the results of the biological reasons that cause autism, attention, and sensory processing difficulties.

• Works within the biomedical approach toward recovery of symptoms.

• Helps reduce seizure activity, promotes detox of the body, and assists in healing tissues and organs.

• Works best if there are also efforts to find and stop the source of brain and body inflammation.

• Augments existing multidiscipline therapy programs.

The science behind these conditions suggest some degree of body inflammation. The biological reasons for this inflammation are now coming to light. CST has been shown to treat the consequences of inflammation of the brain and nerves. This helps to soften and loosen tight body parts. CST has also been shown to calm the brain, which can assist with learning and self-control.

In a recent international research study on the benefits of using CST with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD):

• A majority of participants reported measurable changes begin to emerge within 1 to 5 sessions after beginning CST.

• The top three areas of evaluated change in behavior following CST were general behavior, sensory reactions, and social.

• Participants also reported improvements in cognitive skills, communication, emotional stability, and biological functions.

Information taken from Upledger Productions brochure that we hand out in the office.

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