Can massage therapy help children with autism? a new trial investigates
NCT ID NCT04220086
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital
Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China
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Shenzhen Children's Hospital
Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China