How Autism Massage Helped My Daughter

Hi, my name is Leslie Burby and I thought that I would share my experience about how the autism massage helped my daughter Mary.  In the next edition of Autism Parenting Magazine, we will be doing an interview with Dr John Pagano who is a specialist in a special type of Qi Gong massage that is helpul for children with Autism.

Ollie was slow to speak—I believe he was intensely absorbing instead! For the first three years of his life, he appeared to be on total sensory overload. As he grew, it became increasingly clear that he was very bright, but he lacked the ability to read and process faces and body language or to second guess social situations.  One reception teacher remarked to me one day that she “didn’t know which box Ollie fitted into.” Ollie retreated into a wonderful 3D world of words, compiling lists of vocabulary and writing endless stories and poems. Contrary to established myths about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Ollie is full of empathy and feeling, these emotions being the focus of his writing. He is a magical Shape Shifter with ink in his veins. Writing is his gift, his song, and for a long time, it was the life raft that got him through mainstream school and into the gifted and talented sets at middle school.On October 8th, 1997, my life changed forever with the birth of my son, Ollie.  I knew from the very start that he was “different,” but nothing could have prepared me for the journey ahead: the utter heartache, the immense highs, the tough battles, and the total lack of understanding and support surrounding us.  As a mother, I am always “learning on the job.” It can be a rollercoaster ride, but the blessings and gifts my Ollie has brought far outweigh the challenges and frustrations.

Touch is the first sensation that starts evolving in the womb at five weeks. The early development of the touch (tactile) system provides an essential foundation for emerging social and communicative behaviors (Cascio, 2010).

For thirteen years I single-parented my son, Thomas, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome when he was four.  Now Thomas is a 21-year-old college student.  As I look back on our journey together, I can’t help but realize the progress we’ve made.  Single parenting a special needs child was difficult at times.  I discovered that having a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), my decision to divorce became substantially more complex.

When asked to name a therapy that will help the autistic community, most people will say applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational therapy (OT) or even speech therapy, but I am here to tell you there are additional therapies out there that can help.  In this article, I will describe two specific therapies, their benefits, and what typical sessions might look like:

A canine has long been considered ‘man’s best friend.’  A dog’s unconditional love, non-judgment, and faithfulness have often inspired a partnership that brings about many benefits to both canine and human lives.

Easy Ways to Make This Your Best Summer
Simple tips to help you and your child with autism breeze through the summer months.
Annie Tanasugarn, PhDc, BCBA

On top of the “duties” of everyday life, dealing with unscheduled meltdowns, potty training issues, countless therapy sessions, and endless fighting with the school system to get the much-needed and well-deserved accommodations and services, parenting a child with autism can be VERY stressful and overwhelming. Many parents may attest to the fact that we become really good at operating on auto pilot.  It is as if our bodies operate and move in almost a robotic way. It is the same thing, different day (wash, rinse, repeat).

8 Valentine’s Day Wishes For Special Needs Families
The founder of Your Autism Coach, LLC shares her special Valentine’s Day wishes for you and the people you love most.
Deanna Picon

Hi, I am Leslie Burby, the Editor in Chief of Autism Parenting Magazine. Thanks for checking out our first podcast. I thought I would give some background information about why I interviewed Dr. John Pagano about the Autism Massage.