| At a glance: Holding therapy |
Type of therapy
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Other
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The claim
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Cures autism
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Suitable for
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Children with ASD (up to the age of 10)
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Research rating
Find out more about this rating system in our FAQs. |
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Warnings
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This therapy involves deliberately provoking distress in children. |
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Time
Estimate of the total time for family in hours per week and duration. |
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The therapy can last from several minutes to several hours. |
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Cost
Estimate of cost to family per session/item or week. |
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The cost will vary depending on whether trained therapists are involved in administering the therapy. |
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About this intervention
What is it?
Holding therapy involves a person, usually the mother, holding the child with autism tightly in a way that ensures eye contact between them. The aim is to deliberately provoke distress in the child, until the child needs and accepts comfort.
Who is it for?
Holding therapy can be used with any child with ASD (up to the age of 10 years).
What is it used for?
It’s claimed that holding therapy improves the child–parent relationship, and opens up the child’s capacity to relate to others.
Where does it come from?
The theory advocating the use of this therapy for autism was published in 1983 by a Dutch scientist (Niko Tinbergen), based on his observations of birds.
What is the idea behind it?
Supporters of holding therapy claim that autism is caused by an emotional imbalance (called ‘anxiety-dominated emotional imbalance’) that stops the child being able to learn from interactions with others, and leads to social withdrawal.
It’s claimed that the emotional imbalance comes from the lack of a bond between the mother and her infant. This bond can be repaired by forcing a new emotional connection between them. To do this, the therapy provokes distress in the child and then provides the needed comfort.
What does it involve?
There are three stages in the holding therapy sequence. During the first stage (confrontation), the mother and child position themselves so that they are physically close and have eye contact – forcing it if necessary. This leads to stage two (rejection), where the child may fight against the holding. When the child gives up fighting, the third stage (resolution) is reached, where it is claimed that a strong and enduring bond has developed between them.
Cost considerations
The costs of holding therapy will depend on whether parents use a trained therapist and how much the therapist charges. Additional costs might be associated with purchasing support materials.
Does it work?
This therapy has not yet been rated.
Who practises this method?
Advocates of this therapy suggest that it be performed by the mother and her child, with support from a therapist trained in holding therapy.
Parent education, training, support and involvement
Parents don’t need to receive any training to undertake the therapy, but should be directly supported by a trained therapist.
Where can I find a practitioner?
Contact the autism association in your state and ask them to recommend a service or practitioner.
