Manipulative and Body-Based Practices and Autism

Introduction

Manipulative and body-based practices focus primarily on the structures and systems of the body, including the bones and joints, soft tissues, and circulatory and lymphatic systems. 

Manipulative and body-based practices include chiropractic, cranial osteopathy and massage.

The idea behind the use of manipulative and body-based practices is that the structures and systems of the body can be changed to affect physical functioning and to promote health.

Evidence

Determining the benefits of manipulative and body-based practices for individuals on the autistic people is difficult because there are so many different practices. We must wait for further research of sufficiently high quality to be completed .

Risks and safety

Some manipulative and body-based practices may carry some risks. For example, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2012) reported that: ‘Side effects from spinal manipulation can include temporary headaches, tiredness, or discomfort in the parts of the body that were treated.’ 

More information 

Please see Manipulation-Based Interventions and Autism

Related Pages

• CAM
• Types of Intervention
• Interventions

Related Glossaries

• Manipulative and Body-Based Practices

Quick link:

https://informationautism.org/manipulative-and-body-based-practices

Updated

27 May 2022