Can massage therapy help children with autism? a new trial investigates

NCT ID NCT04220086

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether pediatric massage can improve behavior and social skills in children aged 3 to 10 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children receive massage twice a week for 12 weeks from a professional, plus at-home massage from trained parents. Researchers also use brain scans to see if massage changes brain activity linked to autism symptoms.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: pediatric massage therapy
What this could lead to: If effective, pediatric massage could offer a non-drug option to help manage autism symptoms and improve daily functioning.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with 78 children, so results may not apply to all. The massage is added to usual care, making it hard to isolate its effect.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital

Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China
Shenzhen Children's Hospital

Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China

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