Increasing touch between parents and children with disabilities: preliminary results from a new programme

Initial findings are presented from a specially devised touch therapy programme for parents of children with disabilities. A total of 42 parent children have completed the programme. Therapists teach parents simple massage techniques during one-hour sessions held once a week for eight weeks. The children had a range of disabilities including cerebral palsy, asthma, sensory impairments and Down's syndrome. Parents reported improvements in children's muscle tone, joint mobility, sleep patterns, bowel movements and response to other forms of therapy, e.g. physiotherapy. Parents also reported that they themselves had benefited, e.g. by feeling "closer" to their child and less stressed.