Massage therapy has been growing in popularity as a treatment for children with autism. Massage therapists provide deep pressure massage and therapeutic touch to children while avoiding light touch … Massage therapists and parents have reported positive results from massage therapy treatment, including more tolerance of touch, improved social communication with others, better sleep patterns, improved attention to task, and fewer adverse behaviors. Parents also report more bonding with their children.
Research does exist to support the claims made regarding massage therapy for children with autism. Many studies, however, involve small sample sizes, short study durations, and poor bias control.
—Autism Daily Newscast, national, Oct. 15, 2013