Hi there,

Working with anyone who has loads going on can be challenging to say the
least. It is important to be able to feel the rhythm, you are right, as we
need to feel the stops. It is also very important to gain their trust.
Many times the first couple of sessions are just playing so they can get the
idea that I don't want to "do" anything to them. People with involved
conditions are very used to being poked and prodded. Once their trust has
been gained, still points are an excellent way to start. I would suggest
starting well away from their core...maybe their feet. Stillpoints are a
great way to introduce your touch and to again let them know that the touch
we are using isn't going to hurt them. I have found that after a couple
still points, the kids will come in and put my hands on their body in the
same place I have done the stillpoints. At that point they will usually let
you in further and further.

One thing Dr. John talks about is the compression of the membrane system,
and therfore the bones. This seems to be one of the main causes of the self
stimulating behaviour and also the teeth grinding. In my experience when
there is teeth grinding, the temporals are very medially compressed and when
the compression is released, the grinding stops. The self stim behavious is
probably releasing endorphines which are layering on top of the discomfort
that is already there. Again, when the compressions are released the
behaviour stops.

Arc and treat what you find but remember that you might not always want to
go right to the primary lesion. It might be way too much for them.
Instead, when you find an energy cyst, see where all the cyst pulls into and
begin treating there. As those fascial pulls release so will the strain
into the primary lesion. It will then be much easier to work on the
area...there will be much less of the client pulling your hands away.

You may not even be able to get your hands on for the first few sessions.
There might be stuff to clear in the energy fields first. Both Kate (my
wife) and I have had this happen countless times. Once the energy piece
eases, you can get your hands on.

As for the parents. They are very used to having to hold their kids down so
that tests can be done. If you can let them know that it's ok for their
child to move around they helps them. Let them know you don't need the child
to lie on the table..but.. be prepared to work under the table, your desk or
anywhere that it seems like you won't fit. Most parents don't like holding
their kids down and will happily sit by and let you wrestle with them..lol.
This will also gain the trust of the child faster.

The rhythm..practice practice practice. As we tell you in CSI, start with
adults and move younger. Get used to feeling it on kids and then it will be
easier on those with involved conditions. The compression in the head
usually makes the rhythm very hard to feel. I would suggest starting
somewhere else..legs, feet. The fascia will still be transmitting the
rhythm.

As for more information, I would suggest getting in touch with Rebecca Giles
at the Institute..she works in the clinic. Rebecca is an OT and a pediatric
goddess..lol She is really big into SI stuff, and runs the clinical apps
course for ped's. She has an incredible wealth of knowledge.

I hope that helps. Good luck, the reward is worth every moment of the
treatment.

Dave Tomlinson




>From: "natmedworks" <natmedworks@...>
>Reply-To: craniosacralnetwork@yahoogroups.com
>To: craniosacralnetwork@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [Craniosacral Network] CST and Autism
>Date: Fri, 03 Sep 2004 18:39:50 -0000
>
>Hello-I have been practicing CST for 2 years. I have my first
>autistic child who I have seen 4 times now.
>
>I want to get more information on treating autism with CST. Can
>anyone out there share their experiences with the board.
>
>Also, is there any book/info that specifically deals with CST and
>Autism.
>
>Finally, how the hell do you feel the rhythem when the child is
>squirming around? How do I manage the parents who want to hold their
>child down?
>
>Any help is much appreciated.
>
>Be Well-Andrew
>
>
>

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