Tuesday, September 15, 2020

 

ASD and Art: An Invitation to Massage Therapists

Shakti Gawain said: “Our bodies communicate clearly and specifically if we are willing to listen.”

Such is the case when we consider treatment options in bodywork: small changes in approach can yield great results when applied correctly, and opportunities to “listen” for when these changes are appropriate are discussed widely among practitioners.

Regardless of the methods applied, hours – perhaps more – have been spent prior to treatment inspired by the clients we serve in Alaska. The allure of emerald lakes and mountain rainbows can lead to sore back muscles. Late nights in the city and Northern Lights viewing can strain necks and shoulders. A long day at work can inspire the therapist to develop new strategies for stress relief.

Massage Therapy has proven to be a successful intervention with a wide array of health concerns. Autism Spectral Disorder offers the massage therapist a unique opportunity. With a myriad of resources available relating to this disorder, an additional resource can be explored through art. The primary purpose of this blog post is to draw you into the experience of autism on the “Art of Autism” website as an entry into this unique genre of expression. A nice perk is that art such as this may help guide the massage therapist to better understand this disorder when considering a treatment plan.

Quick Facts:

·       ASD effects social skills and the ability to communicate (Centers for Disease Control, 2020)

·       1:54 children are identified to have ASD in the US as of 2020 (Centers for Disease Control, 2020)

·       Diagnosis can be obtained early in life; testing of certain benchmarks is part of a standard pediatric care plan (Centers for Disease Control, 2020)

·       There is no universal “cure.” Pharmaceutical treatments exist. Certain care plans include the coordination of several providers (NIH, 2020)

·       ~ 5,500,000 American adults have been diagnosed with ASD (Centers for Disease Control, 2020)

·       Some people experiencing ASD find physical touch difficult.

·       Causes, treatments and social perceptions of ASD vary widely with audiences.

Care for young children experiencing ASD can include any of the following medical interventions:

·       Psychiatric

·       Occupational Health

·       Speech- Language Pathology

·       Primary Care Providers

·       Dietary Specialists

·       Caregivers/ Educators (NIH, 2020)

Most children experiencing ASD are not under this comprehensive of treatment, however. Coordinating with other providers may leverage their knowledge of your client. 

Adults experiencing ASD also have diverse interventions, but may struggle to lead productive, healthy lives. Education level, unemployment and a lack of social interaction make coordinating care a challenge.

Consider the Following Potential Benefits of MT:

·       Positive social interaction

·       Anxiety relief

·       Increased circulation

·       Supports further coordination with other providers

The massage therapist should be aware of the wonderful challenge presented by working with those experiencing ASD. While not contraindicated, MT can be very intense, and the massage therapist should have a plan in place keep the client safe. 

How does one go about understanding ASD?

"Western" perspective: ASD is a developmental disorder. Communication is fundamental to this disorder. Each case is unique. The transition from childhood to adulthood presents the most critical (typically) phase of intervention.

TCM: ASD does not exist by this clinical designation but is described under the name: “Syndrome of 5 delays”. Speech is one marker used in the diagnosis of this syndrome. (Science, 2020)

The massage therapist looking for new methods of understanding ASD will find that the autist community excels in this very task – new methods of understanding. Nowhere is this more evident than in the writing and painting of those on the “Art of Autism” website. Consider Patrick Jasper Lee on www.art-of-autism.com. Lee shares his experience and gives an account of ASD that is really fun to follow. I use his art to better understand autism and my role in caring for an ASD client.

The blog site “Art of Autism” is a collection of paintings, poems, books, and photos. Very few disorders have a “symbol” attached to it. The puzzle piece seems fitting here (where it may not be fitting elsewhere):  “solving the puzzle” seems impossible  - until the piece itself shows you where it fits. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Art of Autism. (2020, June 26). Patrick Jasper Lee. Retrieved from https://the-art-of-autism.com/tag/patrick-jasper-lee/

Centers for Disease Control. (2020, June 26). Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html

NIH. (2020, June 26). Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml

Science, P. C. (2020, June 26). Traditional Chinese Medicine and Autism. Retrieved from https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/10/17/traditional-chinese-medicine-and-autism

Trumpet Behavioral Health. (2020, June 26). Retrieved from https://tbh.com/blog/aba-therapy/the-importance-of-coordinated-autism-care/

 

 

 

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