Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST) is a branch of osteopathy that was started by osteopath William Sutherland in the first part of 20th century, and further developed by John E. Upledger in the 1970s.

Osteopathy itself was founded in the 1890s by Dr. Andrew Taylor, who believed that the musculoskeletal system was central to health and that energy flowing through the nervous system is influenced by the supporting structures that encase and protect it - the skull and vertebral column.

A defect in the musculoskeletal system was believed to alter the flow of this energy and cause disease. Correcting the defect cured the disease. Today CST is practiced by osteopaths, physical therapists, massage therapists, naturopaths, and chiropractors.

The therapy session involves a very gentle placing of hands by the practitioner on parts of patients body. According to Upledger, movement of the fluid up and down the spinal cord creates movement in the membranes, which, in turn, affects connective tissue in the body. An imbalance in the craniosacral system can affect the development of the brain and spinal cord, which can result in various bodily dysfunctions. CST examines those motions and rhythms in the body and releases them from restrictions by means of gentle pressure.

It is used to treat a wide variety of conditions, from mental stress, neck and back pain, to chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and migraine headaches. CST has been shown to help the individuals with autism find greater ease within themselves and in the world around them, by decreasing the stress and strain on their central nervous system.

Upledger has conducted studies on children with autism and concluded that they showed similar patterns of restrictions. His studies concluded that CST was beneficial in treating autism and that autistic behaviours - including head banging, thumb sucking, toe walking and self-mutilation - were either alleviated or diminished in his group of patients. Further parental reports for children who responded well to CST treatments include immediate reductions in hyperactivity and anxious behaviours, better sleep, more calmness and better eye contact. Improvements in fine and especially gross motor skills and coordination/balance are often reported.

Reports of long term changes include better speech and socialisation and improvements in general health (less infections and colds). CST is most often carried out with the child lying down, fully clothed in a quiet and peaceful environment. Treatment is usually experienced as a very profound relaxation and when done on children usually lasts between 15-30minutes. For those children who are reluctant to stay in lying position for the duration of session it is also often possible to carry out treatment while the child is in a standing position (or even walking around the room!).

It the experience of many practitioners even children who are adverse to being touched very often relax after several sessions and start to enjoy them.

When searching for a CST practitioner it is advisable that he or she has paediatric experience, and ideally -- although not necessarily -- some experience with autism. Several places in the UK have practitioners who are experienced in treating children with autism:

Notting Hill Osteocare, London www.nottinghillosteocare.co.uk (this clinic is currently conducting their second study on the use of visceral osteopathy -- another form of osteopathy, to improve bowel dysfunction in children with autism)

Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy, clinics in London and Manchester www.fpo.org.uk is a registered charity offering free treatments for children and pregnant women (they do ask for donations to support their work). Many of the tutors working there are very experienced in working with children with autism.

Centre for Cranio-Sacral Therapy, North London www.signifier.co.uk/CCST/clinic.htm (in addition to the private clinic, the centre offers low cost treatments provided by its teaching clinic)

Other CST practioners recommended by parents:

Jonathan Howat, chiropractor, Oxford

Ernest Keeling, osteopath, North London

John Qureshi, osteopath, Maidenhead

Naval Mair, osteopath North London www.tbops.com

Stuart Korth, osteopath Tunbridge Wells, Kent www.stuartkorth.com

Suggested Reading: CranioSacral Therapy, John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., and Jon Vredevoogd, MFA CranioSacral Therapy and the Reversal of Pathogenic Processes Study Guide. Upledger JE. Upledger Institute Publishing: 2005. Introduction To Craniosacral Therapy, Don Cohen, D.C.