Research summaries for autism therapy: nervous system

definition of nervous system: The nervous system in the human body is made up of specialized cells (neurons and glial cells) that transmit instructions from one part of the body to another, for example, the brain, spinal cord, and the retina.
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Enhanced Independence and Quality of Life Through Treatment with Flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique of a Patient with Both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Asperger Syndrome: A Case Report, Summarized Sep 7, 2010

Flotation tanks may be a useful tool for calming the nervous system and helping with sensory integration in adults with Asperger syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

This case study describes an adult with Asperger syndrome and ADHD who was treated with flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (flotation-REST). The 36-year old woman from Sweden also had depression. She was given 19 sessions over a year and at the end felt that she was better able to live life on her own. With time she learned to control how alert she was (arousal control). She also learned to control how active she was (activity regulation). Her senses relaxed and she became better at sensory integration.

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Qigong Massage Treatment for Sensory and Self-Regulation Problems in Young Children with Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Summarized Apr 1, 2010

Qigong massage therapy may help reduce the symptoms of autism in young children, both at school and at home.

This study looked to see if 5 months of qigong massage therapy would improve symptoms of autism compared to controls. The study showed that qigong massage reduced symptoms of autism as measured by tests of behavior and abilities. The children who received qigong massage showed improved sensory and physical systems. The children also gained skills for social learning. The authors plan to expand the study to look at the effects of qigong massage on the nervous system (vagal tone).

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Corticosteroid Treatment of Behaviour, Language and Motor Regression in Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Summarized Dec 14, 2009

An immune system suppressant (corticosteroid) may help some children on the autism spectrum.

Two 4-year-old children had a rapid onset of childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD). They had a change in personality, loss of speech, and withdrew from people. They also had seizures. The authors treated them with the corticosteroid prednisolone, and their symptoms gradually disappeared over the next 4 years. Prednisolone acts to reduce inflammation and calm down the immune system, and may have other effects. The doctors found no sign of inflammation in their nervous system. The doctors do not know why the medication worked for these children.

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Pervasive Developmental Disorders and Psychosis, Summarized Aug 21, 2009

Several symptoms of autism and psychosis are similar, and diagnosis may affect therapy. Between 25% and 65% of children with autism may also have depression, anxiety, and/or other nervous system disorders. Psychosis was not often diagnosed with autism. The authors talked about "psychosis" as a broad term that included different types of psychosis and schizophrenia.... Read more...

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Synonyms for nervous system include: glial cell, glial cells
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