The AAO Journal, 2025/06, 35(2):21. doi: 10.53702/i2375-5717-35.2.13, type of study: ,cr,

Full text    (https://aaoj.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/aaoj/35/2/article-p13.xml)

Keywords:

case report [736]
children [321]
motor delay [1]
OMT [3925]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3946]
pediatrics [573]
speech [14]
verbal delay [1]

Abstract:

OMT shows great promise in pediatric patients with communication disorders, sensory difficulties, and repetitive behaviors. In fact, OMT has been effective in improving posture, communication, and relaxation for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the case of a child with apraxia, OMT to the head, neck, and jaw was beneficial for regaining control over planning and articulating sounds and words. This case presents a 22-month old patient with a myriad of symptoms including motor and verbal delays, severe food sensitivities, stimming, and repetitive behaviors. This patient presented with cranial movement restrictions, highlighted by a grossly retracted jaw with an extension strain pattern. He also was extremely sensitive to left temporal bone palpation. Although not formally diagnosed with ASD, this patient exhibited motor and verbal delays. He was raised in a multilingual household, so it is unclear whether the verbal delays arose as part of a global delay or if they were akin to the language delay that some children in multilingual households anecdotally experience. Initially, the patient did not tolerate treatment, specifically of his left temporal bone. However, after the initial visit his sensitivity decreased, and he tolerated cranial OMT. He also displayed less stimming and repetitive behaviors during treatment. Over nine months of biweekly to monthly treatments, the patient advanced in speaking and motor skills and improved tolerance of regular foods. In the context of previous research, our results support the potential of OMT to reduce sensitivity and foster verbal development for pediatric patients with sensitivities and various delays. Future studies on the use of OMT for patients experiencing delays and symptoms of ASD would help to support a patient population who are often challenging to treat effectively.