QST massage research in children with disabilities
Dr. Louisa Silva and the QST Institute have published 21 scientific studies evaluating the effect of QST massage protocols on autistic children and children with Down syndrome. Randomized, controlled studies show improvement of sensory, behavioural and developmental problems. In autistic children, all aspects of autism improve and autism becomes less severe.  In children with Down syndrome speech and motor skills improve.

PUBLISHED AUTISM  STUDIES

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.
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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
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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

PUBLISHED DOWN SYNDROME STUDIES
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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   
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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 

PUBLISHED CEREBRAL PALSY STUDY

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

QST RESEARCH PUBLISHED BY RESEARCHERS INDEPENDENT FROM QSTI

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