The treatment approach for autism that will be discussed involves hands-on energy bodywork techniques—Craniosacral Therapy, Polarity Therapy, and the Metamorphic Technique—in conjunction with exogenous melatonin.

The bodywork techniques are elements of therapeutic approaches that work on the subtle energy systems. Clinicians have found these techniques to be effective in correcting distortions in the normal flow of bioenergy in the body. Practitioners in the field of holistic medicine have found that energy flow disruptions can cause dysfunction in the body's physical organs and physiological systems [St. John, 1980; Stone, 1985; Sills, 1989; Axt, 1989, 1996, 1997; Upledger, 1995; Korn, 1997]. Application of such techniques have been shown to decrease stress-related hormones and balance many of the neurotransmitters [Davidson, 1987, 1988; Gerber, 1988; Kiewe, 1997; Korn, 1997].

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a development of cranial osteopathy. It attends to the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that is produced in the lateral cerebral ventricles and third ventricle. The CSF bathes the brain and spinal cord and is in constant contact with the pineal gland. It is pumped throughout the body by the rhythmic cranial impulse. According to many who have considered the function of this system, from Descartes through to modern times, the CSF conveys energies of the mind throughout the body [Descartes in Wheelright, 1970; Still, 1902; Stone, 1985; Sills, 1989; Sutherland, 1990]. If the flow of the CSF is impeded, the flow of life energy is also impeded, and physiological imbalances arise as a consequence. By means of gentle hands-on techniques, Craniosacral Therapy can be used to restore and strengthen the flow of CSF [Sutherland, 1990].

Polarity, a second technique that uses gentle touch, is used to balance and stimulate the electromagnetic fields that are associated with the human body. Based on the ancient Ayurvedic medical system with the addition of modern Western techniques, Polarity uses the knowledge of energy relationships in the body. The practitioner works with energy centers and the pathways along which life energy flows. Specific Polarity and Craniosacral Therapy techniques have been used, for example, to balance the autonomic nervous system and to unblock the occipital base or the neck where impediments to the flow of CSF and energy may be found [Stone, 1985; Siegel. 1987; Upledger, 1983].

The Metamorphic Technique [St. John, 1980] has been described as prenatal therapy. It is based on the Chinese system of reflexology, and uses spinal reflexes on the feet, hands, and head to bring body systems into balance. It has been used with autistic individuals and, thanks to its simplicity, can be taught to parents and caregivers of autistic children.

In working with very young autistic children, some specific techniques were developed by the author. In some instances, sessions are conducted with the child being partially immersed in salt water. In the case of a child who is hyperactive or otherwise uncooperative, "off the body" techniques might be employed, or a session can be conducted while the child is asleep [Axt, 1996, 1997].