Qigong Massage for Your Child with Autism

Louisa Silva had a medical degree from the University of California, a Masters in Public Health from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and was a fellow of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. She practiced medicine in a way that integrated Chinese Medicine with preventive medicine and public health. She was director of the Qigong Sensory Training Institute, Oregon, where she completed multiple research studies into the effects of qigong massage on young children with autism.

Complete with step-by-step instructions and accompanying online content with visual demonstrations, Qigong Massage for Your Child with Autism takes a relatively unconventional practice and provides a practical tool for parents and caregivers. Backed by multiple studies and developed by the director of the Qigong Sensory Training Institute, the book will give parents the confidence to embark on a new practice that will hopefully make for happier, healthier families... Silva excels at keeping her message realistic and never loses sight of the fact that she's addressing actual parents. She clearly lays out expectations for and limitations of the program, and provides the necessary tools to track progress and behavioral changes. She refutes skeptics by simply saying "seeing is believing," instilling the confidence so vital for motivating parents to stick with the program. The difficulties of having an autistic child and parenting in general are openly acknowledged without judgment, and she offers a truly empathetic, yet encouraging voice...The book's structure also seems to be designed for parents, with the intention that they can easily pick up the book and find what help they're looking for, as common troubles and solutions are reiterated in multiple chapters... Educational, realistic, and reassuring, Qigong Massage for Your Child with Autism offers parents a non-invasive, prescription-free supplement to managing autism, and with further studies being conducted now about the effects of qigong on children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, tradition Chinese medicine will hopefully become helpful to an even wider population.

• Foreword by Dr. Anita Cignolini. Preface: Welcome! Introduction: Making the Most of This Book. 1. An Eastern Explanation and Treatment for Autism. 2. Is the QST Home Program Right for You and Your Child? 3. Getting Ready to Give the Home Program. 4. The Massage. 5. The 12 Movements and Your Child's Body Language. 6. Troubleshooting. 7. Extra Techniques to Help Your Child Get Through the Day. 8. The Healing Process: What to Expect. 9. Understanding Toxicity in Children with Autism: - Prevention. 10. A Diet for Children with Autism. 11. Your Child's Program After the First Five Months. Appendix A: Movement Troubleshooting Checklist. Appendix B: Sensory and Self-Regulation Checklist. Appendix C: My Child's Developmental Milestones. Appendix D: Parent Stress Index. About the Author. Additional Resources. Online Video/Movement Chart. Important Changes to Look For. Index.