P03.08. Is There a Place for Energy Work With Children Living With Autism: A Qualitative Study?

Focus Area: Pediatrics INTRODUCTION: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) now affects 1 in 88 children in the USA and 1 in 47 in Utah. ASD is 5 times more likely in boys with 1 in 54 boys identified nationally. More children will be diagnosed with ASD this year than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined. A diagnosis of autism is based on observed behavior and educational and psychological testing. Currently, there is no single definitive treatment for autism, nor is there presently a cure. Traditional treatments may be biomedical, sensory, behavioral, developmental, sports-related, or arts-based. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to conduct qualitative research using light hands-on touch energy work with children diagnosed with ASD with focus on the following behaviors: eye contact, appropriate social behavior, verbal tics, motor control and coordination, neural impulses related to the sensory organs, immune system, and ability to learn. METHODS OR TARGET GROUPS: Six participants between 9 and 16 years of age were treated by teams of two practitioners in 10 sessions using light touch energy work protocol focusing on boosting the immune system and strengthening organs of the body and brain functioning. Assessments included parental and practitioner observations using verified and unverified research instruments. RESULTS OR ACTIVITIES: Over a 15-month period, participants had an overall improvement of 70% in 5 categories evaluated. Specifically, there was an improvement of 81% in eye contact, 72% in social behavior, 61% in motor control/coordination, 75% in sensory neural reorganization, and 65% in learning evolution. CONCLUSION OR DELIVERABLES: Energy work may positively impact people living with ASD and can be safely integrated with other healthcare modalities. Further research needs to be conducted, and more reliable research instruments for complementary and alternative healthcare need to be developed.