Research summaries for autism therapy: touch

definition of touch: Touch is the physical action of contact with the body, whether it is another person, an article of clothing, or a physical object. Some children with autism do not like to be touched. Other children like to touch pictures or letters in order to communicate. Still other children find a tight hug or weighted vest to be soothing.
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When “Simon Says” Doesn’t Work: Alternatives to Imitation for Facilitating Early Speech Development, Summarized Jul 20, 2009

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and other methods may help children with autism learn to speak.

Some children with autism do not imitate the sounds of others. For these children, several speech therapy methods may help them learn to speak. AAC is often the first strategy to help them learn enough communication to be able to have some social interactions. There are five other methods that may also help these children: 1) avoid pressuring children to speak, and use puppets and play as encouragement instead; 2) imitate the child and they may start imitating others; 3) use exaggerated sounds and speak slowly; 4) use visual feedback and touch to help teach skills; and 5) add exercises for mouth movements that are specific to speech. Read more...

Paliperidone in an Adult Patient with Asperger Syndrome: Case Report, Summarized Jul 9, 2009

Treatment with paliperidone helped an adult with Asperger Syndrome who had severe behavioral problems and autism symptoms.

The case report said 25-year-old man had severe anxiety, delusions (not in touch with reality), irritability, and other problems. He also had poor communication and social skills. He was admitted to a hospital because of his severe symptoms, and was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. He received 6 mg daily of paliperidone, which is related to risperidone. The drug therapy reduced his symptoms. He also had better social skills. After 4 months of treatment, he improved so much that he moved out of his parent's house to live in an apartment of his own. He had few side effects from the paliperidone treatment. Read more...

Comparing Number Lines and Touch Points to Teach Addition Facts to Students with Autism, Summarized Nov 5, 2008

The touch point method may be helpful for some children with autism who are learning to add numbers.

This study was designed to see if the use of touch point skills is a good way to teach math to children with autism. Touch point was very helpful in teaching addition to the three elementary students in the study. Two of the three children were also able to use the number line to add numbers. The study did not look to see if the ability to add lasted after touch point was faded out. The authors hope that a better knowledge of addition will translate into better math skills in general, telling time, using money, buying things, banking, and problem-solving. Read more...

A Sensory Integration Therapy Program on Sensory Problems for Children with Autism, Summarized Aug 11, 2008

Sensory integration therapy may play an important role in autism therapy programs.

Sensory problems include problems with touch and balance. Some studies have shown that sensory integration therapy may result in fewer temper tantrums and increased activity. Sensory integration therapy may also help improve motor and play skills. This study was designed to create a sensory integration therapy program for children with autism. The authors found that sensory problems of the children with autism improved after sensory integration therapy. Read more...

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