Positive Health Online

Abstract

SILVA and COLLEAGUES, Teaching Research Institute, Western Oregon University, PO Box 688, Salem, OR 97308, USA. lmtsilvaqigong@comcast.net evaluate the Qigong Sensory Training (QST) program upon children on the autism spectrum.

Background

Sensory impairment is a common and significant feature of children on the autism spectrum.

Methodology

In 2005, a qigong massage intervention based on Chinese medicine and delivered by a doctor of Chinese medicine was shown to improve sensory impairment and adaptive behaviour in a small controlled study of young children with autism. In 2006, the Qigong Sensory Training (QST) program was developed to train early intervention professionals to provide the QST intervention. This article describes the preliminary evaluation of the QST program as piloted with 15 professionals and 26 children and outcomes testing using standardized tests of sensory impairment and adaptive behaviour.

Results

Results of outcomes comparing delivery by QST-trained therapists with delivery by a doctor of Chinese medicine showed that both groups improved and that there was no difference in outcome between the two groups.

Conclusion

The intervention and training program are described, and implications for future research are discussed.

References

Silva LM, Ayres R and Schalock M. Outcomes of a pilot training program in a qigong massage intervention for young children with autism. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 62(5): 538-46. Sep-Oct 2008