| Cranial sacral autism therapy (CST) is one of many | | | | where focus should be placed. Cranial sacral therapy |
| natural treatment options used to assist autistic children. | | | | often involves several interventions before a |
| It employs a form of light touching that is thought | | | | difference in behavior is observed. |
| stimulates the natural healing powers of the body. The | | | | When CST is applied, the child either lies down or sits, |
| process focuses on the way the craniosacral system | | | | fully clothed, on the treatment table. The CST therapist |
| (the head and the sacrum, five vertebrae which form | | | | then "listens" to the autistic child's body rhythms using |
| a triangle above the child's tailbone at the base of the | | | | his or her hands, and then stimulates the child's tissues |
| spine, which are fused together in adults - usually | | | | to target the whole body as well as specific areas. |
| between the ages of 16 and 25 - but remain individual | | | | This may require a therapist's hands to remain still for |
| bones until that time) is thought to naturally encourage | | | | lengthy periods. The result is different for everyone. |
| healing when properly stimulated. | | | | Some autistic children report feeling very relaxed, |
| The theory is that the healing abilities of cranial sacral | | | | others feel warm or cold, and some children feel a |
| therapy comes from the manipulation of the | | | | pulsing or tingling. |
| membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the | | | | In addition to autism, CST is reportably beneficial for |
| spinal cord and brain, causing subtle pulsations and | | | | headaches and migraines, back pain, stress relief, and |
| motions throughout the child's entire body. | | | | emotional issues. It has been found to be most |
| As pressure is applied, a wave-like response is sent | | | | effective in babies and children though a person of any |
| through the body, allowing CST therapist to become in | | | | age can benefit from its techniques. |
| tune with what they refer to as "the breath of life"; the | | | | No side effects have ever been reported regarding |
| vibrations, energies, and forces of the body. By | | | | cranial sacral therapy, though it should be avoided in |
| applying CST, the therapist uses the breath of life to | | | | people who have suffered strokes or who are |
| strengthen the relationship between the brain and the | | | | pregnant unless recommended by a doctor. As with |
| rest of the body in a therapeutic way using only their | | | | any new therapy, if you are considering CST for your |
| hands as tools. | | | | child, you should first speak to your doctor to ensure |
| Results reported include the release of restrictions and | | | | that it is the right treatment for his or her unique |
| tensions from current and past illnesses, emotional | | | | symptoms and needs. It is advisable that Cranial Sacral |
| upsets, accidents, and other discomforts, and there | | | | Autism therapy be applied alongside other techniques |
| have been reports of a reduction in Autistic symptoms. | | | | such as effective learning activities - especially in the |
| Therapists are trained to carefully listen to the | | | | case of a preschooler. |
| vibrations to find out where there are disturbances and | | | | |