Research Studies

Several research studies, including a randomized, controlled design study, have been conducted to date on the effectiveness of Qigong Sensory Training (QST) for autism spectrum disorder. At the end of five months of QST therapy, treated children show improved behavior and social/language skills, and decreased sensory and self-regulatory impairment, compared to the children in the control group. Click on the title of each journal article below to view the abstract and to download the article.

Parent-delivered Qigong Massage Program for Young Children with Motor Delays
Silva, L., Schalock, M., Garberg, J., & Lammers Smith, C. (under review).

Sense and Self-Regulation Checklist:  Initial Psychometric Evidence and Findings
Silva, L. & Schalock, M. (in press). American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Autism Parenting Stress Index:  Initial Psychometric Evidence
Silva, L. & Schalock, M. (2011). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Early Intervention for Autism with a Parent-delivered Qigong Massage Program:  A Randomized Controlled Trial
Silva, L., Schalock, M. & Gabrielsen, K. (in press). American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

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.

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.

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. 

"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.

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. 

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.