Developmental disabilities change how kids interact with the world. Massage therapy could help them feel more at ease in their body. Learning about the at-home treatment technique could ease their physical and mental symptoms when they need a helping hand.

What Is a Sensory Massage for a Child With Autism?

Sensory massages for children with autism are targeted muscle massages that relieve tension for both mental and physical benefits. They can be useful techniques for kids who need help decreasing their stress or feeling comfortable as a result of their disability.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention experts estimate that around one in six children has a developmental disability, which can include kids with autism spectrum disorder, hearing loss and other conditions. Massage therapy can support kids with many of those diagnoses if you learn how to do soft tissue manipulation.

What Type of Massage Is Best for Autism?

While a child’s toys might assist with self-soothing during stressful times, they may need extra support to feel at ease. Researchers found that combining sensory massage with Tuina techniques has the most benefit for people with autism. Sensory massages could include stroking the face, arms and back. When the child is calm, give them a few minutes of Tuina therapy. The technique massages acupoints on the hands, arms and back.

A combination massage on specific areas requires sitting still, which the child may be unable to do if they feel overstimulated. Give them a Thai massage if they can only participate for a minute. The technique can improve a child’s self-regulation by putting deep-tissue pressure on their muscles with your palms and thumbs. You can massage larger areas — which may be easier to manage — as the child settles.

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Young People With Developmental Disabilities 

Children can experience more peace of mind and comfort in their bodies after massage becomes part of their daily routine. See if they’d enjoy any of the benefits of massage therapy before trying it at home.

1. They May Have Less Anxiety

When targeted pressure starts easing a child’s physical nervous system, they may feel less anxiety overall. The movement distracts their racing thoughts while helping their nerves focus on the calming sensation. Children could benefit most from massage therapy before anxiety-inducing situations because they’ll enter typically stressful experiences with a calmer state of mind. 

2. They Might Deal With Less Muscle Tension

Muscle tension may make a child lock their joints in response to the stimulation, causing further aches and pains. Muscle manipulation involves pressurized kneading, pressing and rubbing. As a child’s muscles relax, tissue inflammation may decrease during the massage, resulting in tension relief after the session.  

3. They Could Sleep Better

Settling down to sleep is much easier if you’re not physically tense or anxious. Whether you provide massage therapy sessions by hand or use a tool, it could relieve deep muscle soreness and lingering anxiety when it’s time to fall asleep. The therapy could be exactly what the child needs if you’ve tried other sleep-boosting habits without any progress.

Tips for Giving Children Massage Therapy

Although experts can recommend the best type of massage for kids with autism, a child may not enjoy their experience without the most beneficial setup. Use a few creative ideas to make their massage therapy as successful as possible.

1. Create a Calm Environment

What kind of environment is most calming for the child? Do they love rain sounds, the breeze from a ceiling fan or complete silence? Replicate these conditions so their massage therapy sessions happen in an environment that best supports their peace of mind. Design elements like lighting, plants and color palettes can affect mood, so consider these things when picking the best space to promote relaxation.

2. Combine Massages With Entertainment

If the child focuses on sitting still better with some entertainment, combine your massage techniques with their favorite audiobooks or TV shows. You could even play soothing music. Experts found that music therapy may improve cognitive functions for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

3. Use Their Favorite Senses

Sensory stimulation can be helpful when done purposefully. Consider if the child is most relaxed while you’re diffusing a specific essential oil or wrapping them in a soft blanket. You could incorporate these items into the environment during their massage to recreate the sensory stimuli they find most enjoyable.

4. Watch for Overstimulation Cues

Although massages can help children with developmental disabilities, the techniques can also become too intense. Pay attention to overstimulation cues during massages, like turning away from you, breathing rapidly or resisting any touch. Stop the therapy whenever those signs arise. You’ll minimize the risk of the child disliking massages by prioritizing their comfort so they still feel in control of their experiences.

Support Children’s Sense of Calm With Massage Therapy 

Providing a sensory massage for a child with autism can improve their physical and mental health. If you’re unsure how to give one at home, Myobuddy’s self-massage tools can help. If you’re interested in combining vibration, heat and pressure for a professional spa experience, reach out with any questions and find the tools you need to support children with autism using massage therapy.