Qigong Sensory Treatment [QST] has been evaluated in a series of peer-reviewed studies examining its effects on sensory processing, self-regulation and related functional domains in children with neurodevelopmental conditions.
This page provides an archive of published research related to QST, including:
intervention studies,
randomised controlled trials,
observational follow-up studies,
validation studies of assessment tools used in QST research.
The studies listed here primarily examine outcomes in autistic children, with additional research in children with Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.
Across published intervention studies, QST has been associated with:
improvements in tactile sensory processing
reductions in sensory-related distress responses
improved physiological self-regulation
downstream changes in behaviour, social engagement and functional participation
Importantly, these studies consistently report that changes in sensory processing precede changes in behaviour and function, supporting a sensory-first mechanism of action.
The research does not suggest that QST targets behaviour directly, nor that it replaces educational, medical or supportive care.
To remain precise:
QST is not presented as a cure for autism or other conditions.
Not all developmental domains are equally affected in all children.
Most controlled intervention studies have focused on children up to early adolescence.
Outcomes depend on consistent daily application, typically by parents under professional supervision.
QST addresses a specific domain: sensory processing and its role in physiological self-regulation.
Research on tactile sensory nerves, including C-tactile fibres and peripheral sensory pathways, is a rapidly developing field.
Findings from neuroscience and sensory biology increasingly support the idea that peripheral sensory input can shape autonomic regulation, stress responses and social engagement.
These findings help explain why a structured tactile intervention such as QST may lead to regulatory and functional changes, but this field remains under active investigation.
For a structured synthesis of how touch mechanisms relate to QST outcomes, see → Scientific foundation of QST
The studies below are presented as a research archive.
They include:
work conducted by Dr. Louisa Silva and collaborators,
independent replication and feasibility studies,
validation research on the Sense and Self-Regulation Checklist (SSRC).
Each study examines specific outcomes within defined parameters.
They should be interpreted in context and alongside current clinical reasoning.
Dr. Louisa Silva was the primary developer of Qigong Sensory Treatment [QST] and the Sense and Self-Regulation Checklist [SSRC]. Her research focused on sensory processing impairments in autism and their relationship to physiological self-regulation, development and parenting stress. She was the first researcher to systematically investigate tactile sensory impairment as a core feature of autism and to study it using both clinical assessment and biological measures. Her skin biopsy study documenting loss of C-tactile fibres in autistic children marked the first direct evidence of peripheral tactile nerve involvement in autism. Subsequent research on tactile processing and affective touch in autism emerged after this work. Dr. Silva conducted clinical research and intervention studies over more than two decades. She passed away in 2018. The studies listed on this page reflect the body of work she initiated and form the scientific and clinical basis of QST as it is taught and applied today.
QST massage for 6-12 year olds with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An extension study. Silva, L, Schalock M, Gabrielson K, Horton-Dunbar G. Published by Western Oregon University Full Text.
1 and 2-year Outcomes of Treating Preschool Children with Autism with a Qigong Massage Protocol: An Observational Follow-along Study. Silva, L, Schalock M, Gabrielsen KR, Horton-Dunbar G. Journal of Alternative and Integrative Medicine 5:216. (2016). Full Text.
First Skin Biopsy Reports in Children with Autism Show Loss of C-Tactile Fibers. Silva, L., Schalock, M. (2016). Journal of Neurological Disorders 4:262 (2016). Full Text.
About Face: Evaluating and Managing Tactile Impairment at the Time of Autism Diagnosis. Silva, L., Schalock, M., Gabrielsen, K. (2015). Autism Research and Treatment, Volume 2015 (2015), Article ID 612507, 10 pages, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/612507. Full Text.
Early intervention with a parent-delivered massage protocol directed at tactile abnormalities decreases severity of autism and improves child-to-parent interactions: a replication study. Silva, L., Schalock, M., Gabrielsen, K., Budden, S., Buenrostro, M., and Horton, G. (2015). Autism Research and Treatment, Volume 2015 (2015), Article ID 904585, 16 pages, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/904585. Full Text
Treatment of Tactile Impairment in Young Children with Autism: Results with Qigong Massage. Silva, L. Schalock, M. (2013). International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 6(4):12-20. Full Text
Prevalence and Significance of Abnormal Tactile Responses in Young Children with Autism. Silva, L. Schalock, M. (2013). North American Journal of Medicine and Science, 6(3):121-127. Full Text
Alternative Support for Families with Autistic Children in Lithuania. Silva, L., Vaicekauskaite, R., & Aciene, E. (2012). Tiltai/Bridges, 2(59):125-132. Full Text
Early Intervention for Autism with a Parent-delivered Qigong Massage Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Silva, L., Schalock, M. & Gabrielsen, K. (2011). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(5):550-559. Abstract Full Text
Qigong Massage Treatment for Sensory and Self-Regulation Problems in Young Children with Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial . Silva, L., Schalock, M., Ayres, R., Bunse, C., & Budden, S. (2009). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63, 423-432. Abstract Full Text
A Model and Treatment for Autism at the Convergence of Chinese Medicine and Neuroscience: First 130 Cases. Silva, L., Ayres, R., & Schalock, M. (2011). Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 17(6):421-429. Abstract Full Text
Autism Parenting Stress Index: Initial Psychometric Evidence. Silva, L. & Schalock, M. (2011). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorder. Abstract Full Text
Sense and Self-Regulation Checklist, a Measure of Comorbid Autism Symptoms: Initial Psychometric Evidence. Silva, L. & Schalock, M. (2012). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(2):177-186. Abstract Full Text
Outcomes of a Pilot Training Program in a Qigong Massage Intervention for Young Children with Autism. Silva, L., Ayres, R., & Schalock, M. (September/October 2008). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 62(5), 530-538. Abstract Full Text
“Willing to Try Anything,” “Nothing to Lose”: How Families Experience and Explain an Alternative Treatment for Autism. Ferguson, D. & Silva, L.M.T. (2008). Teaching Research Institute Publications. Link: https://www.wou.edu/tri/publications.php
Improvement in Sensory Impairment and Social Interaction in Young Children with Autism following Treatment with an Original Qigong Massage Methodology. Silva, L., Cignolini A., Warren, R., Skowron-Gooch, A., & Budden, S. (2007). American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 35(3), 393-406. Abstract Full Text
A Medical Qigong Methodology for Early Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Silva, L. & Cignolini, A. (2005). American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 33(2), 315-27. Abstract Full Text
Improved Speech Following Parent-delivered Qigong Massage in Young Children with Down Syndrome: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Silva, L. & Schalock, M., Williams, M. (2013). Early Child Development and Care. Abstract
Qigong Massage for Motor Skills in Young Children with Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome. Silva, L., Schalock, M., Garberg, J., & Lammers Smith, C. (2012). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(3):348-55. Abstract
Qigong Massage for Motor Skills in Young Children with Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome. Silva, L., Schalock, M., Garberg, J., & Lammers Smith, C. (2012). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(3):348-55. Abstract
Qigong Sensory Training pilot study: A tactile home program for children with or at-risk for autism. Orit Tal-Atzili , OTD, OTR/L & Joyce Salls , OTD, OTR/L, Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention. Published online: 19 May 2017. Abstract
Neural Mechanisms of Qigong Sensory Training Massage for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Feasibility Study. Kristin K Jerger, MD, LMBT,1 Laura Lundegard,2 Aaron Piepmeier, PhD,1 Keturah Faurot, PA, MPH, PhD,1 Amanda Ruffino, BA,1 Margaret A Jerger, PhD, CCC-SLP,1 and Aysenil Belger, PhD3; Global Advances in Health and Medicine, Published online: 4 April 2018. Abstract
Qigong in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Jorge Magalhães Rodrigues, Mariana Mestre, Larry Ibarra Fredes, Journal of Integrative Medicine: 2019 Jul;17(4):250-260.
Small fiber pathology in autism and clinical implications. Yi-Ling Chien, MD, PhD,et Al. ; Journal of Neurology: November 10, 2020 issue Abstract
Qigong in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Rodrigues JM, Mestre M, Fredes LI. - J Integr Med. 2019 Jul;17(4):250-260. doi: 10.1016/j.joim.2019.04.003. Abstract
Atypical Response to Caregiver Touch in Infants at High Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Kadlaskar G, Seidl A, Tager-Flusberg H, et al. - J AutismDev Disord. 2019 Apr 23. doi: 10.1007/s10803-019-04021-0. Full Text
Exploring a massage intervention for parents and their children with autism: the implications for bonding and attachment. Cullen-Powell LA, Barlow JH, Cushway D. - J Child Health Care. 2005 Dec;9(4):245-55. PubMed PMID: 16275663.
Zen shiatsu: a longitudinal case study measuring stress reduction in a child with autism spectrum disorder. Burke A. - Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2014 Dec 2;7(4):23-8. eCollection 2014 Dec. Abstract
Social touch interacts with infants’ learning of auditory patterns. Lew-Williams C, Ferguson B, Abu-Zhaya R, Seidl A. - Dev Cogn Neurosci. 2019 Feb;35:66-74.doi: 10.1016/j.dcn.2017.09.006. Full text
The Beneficial Effects of Massage on Motor Development and Sensory Processing in Young Children with Developmental Delay: A Randomized Control Trial Study. Lu WP, Tsai WH, Lin LY, Hong RB, Hwang YS. - Dev Neurorehabil. 2018 Oct 30:1-9. doi: 10.1080/17518423.2018.1537317. Abstract
Infant Avoidance During A Tactile Task Predicts Autism Spectrum Behaviors In Toddlerhood. Mammen MA, Moore GA, Scaramella LV, et al. - Infant Ment Health J. 2015 Nov-Dec;36(6):575-87. doi: 10.1002/imhj.21539. Full Text