Who is qigong sensory treatment for?

QST is primarily used with autistic children, for whom sensory processing differences are a core feature, presenting as hyper-responsivity, hypo-responsivity or a fluctuating combination of both.

This includes children who experience:

• chronic sensory overload

• sensory pain

• unpredictable or fluctuating sensory responses (hyper- and/or hypo-responsivity)

• nervous system instability

• reduced capacity to sustain physiological self-regulation

In these children, sensory impairment and impaired self-regulation are closely intertwined. What are often labelled as emotional, behavioural, or social difficulties frequently reflect the nervous system’s attempt to cope with unreliable, overwhelming or painful sensory input.

Sensory processing impairments are not exclusive to autism.

QST may also be appropriate for children with other neurodevelopmental conditions when sensory instability is a central factor, including:

• ADHD, where sensory input contributes to hyperarousal, impulsivity or difficulty sustaining regulation

• Cerebral palsy, where altered motor control is often accompanied by disrupted tactile and proprioceptive processing

• Down syndrome, where hypotonia and sensory integration difficulties can affect regulation and development

In all cases, QST is considered based on sensory function, not diagnosis.

QST is often considered when children show:

• persistent sensory overload or shutdown

• frequent meltdowns without clear external triggers

• refusal of touch due to sensory pain

• chronic physiological stress responses

• tiptoe walking

• stagnation or regression linked to sensory or regulatory instability

Structured assessment commonly shows deviations of more than two points on tactile responsivity, sensory processing and/or self-regulation scales.

These domains refer to:

• how tactile input is perceived

• how sensory signals are organised and integrated

• how effectively the nervous system maintains physiological stability under everyday demands

QST may not be indicated when:

• sensory processing and self-regulation are intact and stable

• difficulties are primarily situational, relational or environmental

• acute medical conditions require priority treatment

• a child is currently using psychoactive or nervous-system–altering medication that significantly affects sensory perception or regulation, making reliable sensory assessment impossible

• seizure activity (e.g. epilepsy) is present without adequate medical stabilisation or monitoring

QST is not a replacement for medical care, nor a general calming or behavioural technique.
In cases involving medication or neurological conditions, medical stability and interdisciplinary coordination are essential before considering QST.

Qigong Sensory Treatment [QST] is not age-dependent.

In clinical practice, QST has been applied effectively with individuals across the lifespan. The youngest client treated was 18 months old, and the oldest 73 years old.

Formal research studies on QST have been conducted with children up to 12 years of age.

Beyond this age range, effectiveness is supported by extensive clinical experience and consistent observed response when applied daily and correctly.

Because QST works on sensory input and nervous system processing, it does not rely on:

• verbal ability

• cognitive insight

• developmental stage

• conscious cooperation

This makes QST accessible for:

• infants and toddlers

• children and adolescents

• adults and older adults

• non-verbal individuals

• individuals with moderate to high support needs

QST is delivered through:

• daily sessions by parents, following a structured protocol and under the supervision and guidance of a trained QST therapist

• one to two sessions per week by a trained professional, who monitors sensory responses, adjusts the approach and ensures safe progression

QST relies on consistency and sensory repetition, which is why daily home application is combined with regular professional oversight.