Reduction of cutaneous von Frey thresholds in boys with autism following a year of tactile and emotional stimulation

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder is an alteration of neurodevelopment with a conspicuous display of behaviors in children between 2 and 3 years of age. Basic behavioral manifestations are social isolation, language impairment, and motor problems. However, there are also manifestations related to sensory perception, although knowledge about tactile stimulation is yet poorly understood. Objective: We aimed to determine changes in the cutaneous sensitivity of autistic boys following a program of tactile and emotional stimulation. Methods: Sensory stimulation was applied as therapy to six autistic boys 5-12 years old. As stimuli, we used bubble paper and a skin massager twice a week for 1 year. During stimulation, kids were allowed to walk in socks during 2 min on a 2 × 2 m carpet made of bubble paper and asked to burst the bubbles. In addi-tion, a handheld massager was used to stimulate the skin on the forearm and face cheek with level 2 of intensity for 2 min. Following stimulation, the cutaneous sensitivity threshold was obtained using von Frey fibers on the forearm and face cheek. Kids were asked to keep their eyes closed and to indicate their perception by pointing with a finger toward the stimulated area. Results: Our data indicate that kids were capable of perceiving smaller fibers with consecutive therapy sessions. Conclusion: Tactile and sensory stimulation to autistic children modifies cutaneous sensitivity, perhaps with an improved perception of the general environment and consequently social behavior.