What is cranial osteopathy?

Cranial osteopathy is a specialist field of osteopathy. The therapy involves very gently manipulating areas of the head to reduce tightness and strain, and to help with problems in the nervous system. You might also hear it called ‘craniosacral therapy’.

Who is cranial osteopathy for?

Although cranial osteopathy can be used on anybody, it’s usually done on babies.

What is it used for?

It’s claimed that cranial osteopathy can reduce characteristics of autism. Supporters of the therapy say that the benefits range from small reductions in hyperactive behaviour to major improvements in communication.

Where does cranial osteopathy come from?

Cranial osteopathy was first developed in the early 1900s in the United States, but it’s not clear when cranial osteopathy was first used as a potential therapy for autistic people.

What is the idea behind cranial osteopathy for autistic children?

The fluid that surrounds our brain and spine is called cerebrospinal fluid. Supporters of cranial osteopathy believe that this fluid pulses in a rhythm. If bones in the head move or the joints between the bones become restricted, this affects how well the fluid can circulate. Supporters believe that this might happen because of problems during pregnancy, birth or other traumas. They say that this pressure affects the function of the nervous system as well as overall development. They also say it causes other problems, including learning disabilities and developmental disorders like autism.

Supporters claim that through gentle manipulation of the bones in the head, cranial osteopathy can restore the rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid and help its circulation. When cranial osteopathy is used as a therapy for autistic children, supporters claim that it addresses the neurological dysfunction that causes autism.

What does cranial osteopathy involve?

Typically, cranial osteopathy involves 30-60 minute consultations over a period of weeks or months. During these consultations, the practitioner uses gentle touch to manipulate the muscles and bones around the head.

Cost considerations

The cost of this therapy depends on how many sessions a child has with an osteopath. Medicare doesn’t fund this therapy. Some private health care funds will cover a portion of the consultation fee. You can claim this immediately if your provider has HICAPS.

You can contact the NDIS to find out whether you can include the cost of cranial osteopathy in children’s NDIS plans.

Does cranial osteopathy work?

There’s little or no evidence that cranial osteopathy is an effective therapy for autistic children.

Who practises cranial osteopathy?

Osteopaths with appropriate training can do cranial osteopathy.

Parent education, training, support and involvement

If your child is having cranial osteopathy, your only involvement is taking your child to sessions.

Where can you find a practitioner?

You can find osteopaths by going to Osteopathy Australia – Find an osteopath. You’ll need to ask whether your chosen practitioner specialises in cranial osteopathy.

If you’re interested in cranial osteopathy, it’s a good idea to talk about it with your GP or one of the other professionals working with your child. You could also talk about it with your NDIA planner, NDIS early childhood partner or NDIS local area coordinator (LAC), if you have one.

There are many therapies and supports for autistic children. These range from behaviour therapies and developmental approaches to medications and alternative therapies. When you understand the main categories that these therapies and supports fall into, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.