My son is now 15. I started using the brush method and compressions when he was 3. It was amazing the comfort he got from that and it also turned out to be a great bonding time for us. Especially with autistic children, we don't get to hug, love on, etc. like we would like to, so the brushing was an avenue to connect. Even though my son does not require brushing anymore, I still keep his brush up on my shelf. It always puts a smile on my face when I see it.

Yes. In case anyone would like to google it, this method is called the Wilbarger Protocol -- brushing the body followed by deep joint compression. The idea behind it is that it provides a certain kind of tactile (touch) sensory input that is easily processed by the ASD brain into a response (usually one that feels soothing). Basically, the brain takes in all sensory input from various places along the nervous system, compiles it all together to process it into an appropriate response. Once this process happens over and over again, the response cements itself into a part of the brain called the Amygdala, where these type of memories are stored. Once cemented there, the brain refers to it from there and processes the response. In an ASD child, the response was originally processed dysfunctionally, and now it's become cemented into the Amygdala that way. The idea behind the Wilbarger Protocol is to break away some of this cement by "tricking" the brain, so to speak, with this specific type of sensory input which feels soothing to the ASD child. Introduce it, do it often enough to cement it into the Amygdala and hope that, just maybe, it will replace the "dysfunctional flowers" already planted there and improve things a bit.

Anyway, if you are interested in learning how to do it, it's probably best to consult an OT, since there is a particular method in doing it. However, if you're limited in income and would like to take a stab at it yourself, here is a tutorial someone posted on youtube... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9LSbINc-y0

And you can purchase the brushes on Amazon here... http://www.amazon.com/Sensory-Brush-Bag-of-3/dp...(Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators)&sr=8-1&keywords=Wilbarger+Brush

Hope this helps. :)

Yes. I have. My son's OT at the time showed me how to do it as well as joint compressions. They worked wonderfully, when he would let me do them. Be patient with your child and when you're doing the compressions, always keep a hand on your child. Move to the next area without lifting both hands. It helps.

We did the brushing and joint compressions when he was younger. The other thing that really helped him was bouncing on a exercise ball for 10 to 15 minutes. He did it every morning before school. It really calmed him. Research showed that for that length of time the calming effect could last up to 4 hours. Sometimes he would repeat it in the early afternoon or before bed.

We do at night a few times only when our son seems to stim more or mouth more and it seems to calm it more!