P3.Q328: The Need for Increased Research on the Use of MFR and Soft Tissue OMT in the Pediatric ASD Population

Background: Context: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often have difficulty in self-regulating their behaviors and actions which leads to diminished function and affected ability to focus when in the learning environment. Occupational therapists (OT) utilize several techniques and devices that apply deep pressure to the child’s body in order to improve self-regulation and therefore function to allow for better learning. Similar techniques that induce pressure such as soft tissue and myofascial release (MFR) exist in the field of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.

Objective: The goal of this scoping review is to determine if any research exists on the use and/or effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative techniques (OMT), specifically MFR and soft tissue techniques, in improving the self-regulation and function of children with ASD.

Methods:

Methods: An organized review of current literature was conducted to evaluate the potential benefits of manipulation such as OT and OMT for children with ASD. The search was performed via the following databases: Pubmed, The American Association of Osteopathy Journal, and The Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. The following search terms were used: “osteopathic manipulative medicine and autism spectrum disorder”, “autism”, autism osteopathic, “osteopathic manipulative medicine and special needs”, “autism spectrum disorder and occupational therapy or physical therapy”, “osteopathic in autism population”, “osteopathic manipulation in autism”, “soft tissue technique in autism patients”. We included systematic reviews, case reports, clinical trials, and review trials in our analysis. Exclusion criteria were papers that did not focus on either ASD or the use of OMT/OT. This review is osteopathically significant as it has the potential to indicate use for OMT in the ASD population to improve outcomes.

Results:

Results: There were very few studies that specifically focused on the use of OMT in the ASD population and the few that did exist mainly focused on the use of visceral or cranial OMT. Significant to note was that there did exist a single case report that stated the use of MFR on a pediatric participant with ASD showed global improvement in all symptoms.

Conclusion:

Conclusions: While there has been promise shown in the use of MFR in people with ASD, there is only one case report that supports these results. Additionally, this case report was on a singular pediatric participant indicating that these results may not be generalizable. Future directions: Further research needs to be done on the effectiveness and use of MFR and/or soft tissue OMT in the ASD population and furthermore if the use of such treatments does improve self-regulation and function in a learning environment.