Evaluation of Craniosacral Therapy Effects on Brain Wave Patterns in Children with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the QEEG Method

<ns3:p>Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a manual therapeutic approach that influences the central nervous system by engaging with the rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid. Emerging literature highlights CST’s potential in alleviating neurodevelopmental symptoms; however, its underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain insufficiently explored.This study aimed to assess the impact of a series of CST sessions on brain bioelectrical activity in children with mild Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), utilizing quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG).Ten boys aged 10–12 years, diagnosed with mild ASD, participated in the study. Each underwent five CST sessions administered at weekly intervals. QEEG recordings were conducted before and after the intervention, measuring changes in delta, theta, alpha, and beta wave amplitudes under resting conditions (eyes closed and eyes open). Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for dependent samples.Post-intervention data revealed a statistically significant reduction in delta, theta, and beta wave amplitudes (p < 0.05), particularly in central and parietal regions (C3, Cz, P3). Concurrently, an increase in alpha wave activity was observed in these areas during eyes-closed resting conditions, suggesting enhanced cortical regulatory functions and improved attentional modulation.CST appears to elicit measurable neurophysiological changes in children with mild ASD, indicating a potential modulatory effect on brain excitability and functional connectivity. These findings support the utility of QEEG in tracking therapeutic outcomes of manual interventions. While promising, further large-scale randomized studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary results and clarify CST’s clinical relevance in ASD treatment.</ns3:p>