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Erica Bickford, LMT 35 Bay Street Wolfeboro, NH (603) 651-8320 Erica@EricaBickfordLMT.com www.EricaBickfordLMT.com |
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April is Autism Awareness Month! Please go to www.EricaBickfordLMT.com and click on the Autism Ribbon for more information! |
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The opinions expressed in the preceding articles are of Erica Bickford, LMT. Massage practitioners do not diagnose conditions nor do they prescribe substances or perform medical treatment. You should always contact your health care professional in the event of any illnesses or injuries or changes in your exercise routine. |
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AUSTIM SPECTRUM DISORDERS AND MASSAGE THERAPY Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a broad category of disorders including Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), and Rett Syndrome. ASD cause abnormal brain function; those afflicted are often unable to engage in social activities and display atypical behaviors such as repetitive movement and speech patterns as well as an aversion to touch. According to Jovana Ruzicic of the Washington D.C.-based Environmental Working Group, the incidence of autism increased from 10 in 10,000 in the 1980s to about 60 in 10,000 today. Despite the current rise in autism diagnoses the medical community has yet to discover any specific cause or medical treatment. Families and medical communities alike are searching for answers to release this mysterious condition. The Touch Research Institute (TRI) based out of the University of Miami has carried out a number of studies on the benefits of massage with autism. In a 1997 study TRI found that both touch sensitivity, sound sensitivity and off task behavior decreased while relatedness to teachers increased after massage sessions in the classroom. In 2001 TRI extended their studies and found that the massage group reported less stereotypical behaviors and more on-task and social relatedness behaviors during school with fewer sleep problems at home. Parents of those in the massage group were trained by massage therapists to perform a 15-minute massage prior to bedtime nightly for one month. One of the more intriguing findings was the lessening of touch aversion in both studies. This finding is not only beneficial to the child but to parents as well. Parents of autistic children often feel hurt in response to the aloof nature of their autistic child. There are a number of theories as to why massage has such benefits with autistic children. Tiffany Field of TRI believes that stimulation of the vagus nerve, slowing down the heart rate, helps to improve attention span. It is also believed that massage causes the body to produce less stress hormones while encouraging production of serotonin, a mood-altering hormone; both of which are extremely beneficial to anyone, especially those suffering with autism. Autistic children suffer with many symptoms. Massage is a wonderful way for parents and caregivers of autistics to help relieve some symptoms and enjoy a closeness that autistic children sometimes do not allow. For more information on massage and autism please visit:: http://www.alternativemedicine.com/common/news/store_news.asptask=store_news&SID_store_news=352&storeID=02AD61F001A74B5887D3BD11F6C28169 |
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New Hampshire Public Television’s Annual Spring Auction will run May 4-13, 2007. Available for the first time this year will be 10 Gift Certificates for a 90 minute massage with Erica Bickford, LMT. One gift certificate will be available each night of the Spring Auction on the “Quickie” Board. Look for gift certificates for Massage With Erica. Keep your eyes peeled for a great opportunity to support public television and a chance to get a 90 minute massage (valued at $85) for an unbelievable price! Go to www.nhptv.org/auction to learn more about volunteer opportunities, ways to donate, becoming a sponsor, items up for bid or scheduling information. |
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As many of you know, Autism holds a very special place in my heart. At age 3 our youngest son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, a disorder found on the Autism Spectrum. Since April is Autism Awareness Month I have decided to dedicate this newsletter to Autism and a few other issues that are close to my heart. I hope that find something in this newsletter that interests you and raises your awareness. |
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Autism Symptoms Checklist for Age One: -Poor imitational skills, inability of hand waving or grasping objects; -Difficulties in initiating forms of simple oral speech; -Low responsiveness to the hearing of their name; -Indifferent, passive behavior; -Preference for repetitive actions and motions; -Refusal of changing the routing. See more at: While this is a fairly comprehensive list, symptoms of Autism vary in each child. Some of these symptoms may be evident while others are not as easily seen. If you have concerns contact your pediatrician. |
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Earth Day is April 22, 2007! Wolfeboro will be having a Community Wide Clean Up day. Call Erica for more information!
Remember that you can do your part by signing up for this newsletter online at www.EricaBickfordLMT.com |
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Volume Six, April 2007 |
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Thanks to my amazing web designer I am now able to accept credit cards as payments. Log onto www.EricaBickfordLMT.com, go to appointments or gift certificates and click the link to use your major credit card, debit card or PayPal account to prepay for your session or buy a gift certificate online! |
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Please help welcome our new intern Sarah Quimby! She will be working mainly out of Still Waters’ Grove Street office.
Sarah is expected to receive her license by the end of the summer. As an unlicensed therapist Sarah is not permitted to charge her clients.
We are excited to have her join our team and hope that she will have an ever growing clientele!
To make an appointment call Sarah at (603) 387-0529. |
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“Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in our nation.” Mary Bono |