Disclaimer: This book was created after the 1998 Family Conference.  The articles are important to all of those involved with RTS.  This is online without permission from Dr. Rubinstein and the Cincinnatti Rubinstein-Taybi organization.  They would prefer that you call Dr. Rubinstein at  1-800-344-2462 ext. 4621 and request a copy of the book.  I would encourage everyone, especially those with a child who has RTS to call the above number and request a copy of this book.  I have been reassured by Mark Shannon that this book will be sent to anyone who requests it, regardless of country.
All the information from the book is not online (another reason to call and request the book).  Left out are articles which are copyrighted or are not appropriate for the web site (includes list of attendees).  All articles which are deemed “public domain” are included..
Diane Wardlow

Touch Therapy 

Kathleen Brinkman, RN, MSN 
University Affiliated Cincinnati Center for Developmental Disorders
Cincinnati, Ohio 

Touch is our first means of communication as infants.  It may be the last way we communicate at life’s end.  Between exist many moments where touch with loving intention creates a bridge from one person to the other.  The purpose of this presentation and discussion is to introduce this concept as another way for parents and caregivers to be present to their children.

Research supports the value of touch and massage as one way to enhance well-being at any age or health status.  Research also show that there are often benefits for the person offering touch. Tiffany Field, Ph.D., Director of the Touch Research Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, has been engaged in over 30 studies relating to touch and massage.  Areas of study include; newborns, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.  Studies have been done with children who have a diagnosis of autism, cystic fibrosis, oncology, spinal cord injuries, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and those born prematurely.

 One form of touch, therapeutic massage, offers benefits to all body systems including; circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and the central nervous system.  The International Association of Infant Massage provides training in a protocol for infants.  The American Massage Therapy Association offers information on professional massage for adults.  Resources for families are available through books and videos at local libraries or bookstores.

 This presenter shares the belief that the intention of the person offering touch and/or massage is of great importance.  For parents, touching their children is a daily experience.  Setting aside a regular time, bringing one’s loving attention to focus on the child and being responsive to their cues, verbal or nonverbal, makes the difference.  Different techniques may address specific physiological concerns.  A respectful, gentle touch will enhance the well-being of both parent and child.

 Parent concerns identified in the group discussion included; oral sensitivity, language delays, and constipation.  For future presentations or parent resource libraries some specific suggestions could be developed.  A bibliography/resource list was shared with parents and is included.  The presenter would be glad to discuss this further with interested parents.

 Touch & Therapeutic Massage Bibliography & Resources

Davis, P.K. (1991). The power of touch.  Carson City, CA:  Hay House Inc.

Drehobl, K.F., & Fuhr, M.G., (1991).  Pediatric massage:  For the child with special needs.  Tucson, Az:  Communication Skill Builders.

Field, T. (1995) The benefits of infant massage on growth and development.  Gerber Pediatric Basics.  #71, Winter.

 Gunzenhauser, N. (1990). Advances in touch:  New implications in human development.  Skillman, N.J.:  Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products, Inc.

 Guyer, E., (1992). From the hand to the heart; Bonding and relaxation techniques for individuals with combined auditory and visual impairments.  Available through Gentle Touch Warehouse, Inc. Eugene, Or.

 McClure, V.,S., (1989). Infant massage:  A loving handbook for parents.  New York: Bantam Books.

 Montague, A., (1978). Touching:  The human significance of the skin, 3^rd ed.  New York:  Harper & Row.

 Nelson, D. (1994). Compassionate touch.  Barryton, N.Y.:  Station Hill Press, Inc.

 Rude, P. (1995).  Souls to soles.  Marina delRey, Ca: Avanti Publishing Division.

 Schneider, E.F., (1996). The power of touch:  Massage for infants.  Infants & Young Children, 8(3), 40-55.

Resources

Touch Research Institute

University of Miami School of Medicine, Dept. of Pediatrics

P.O. Box 01682, 1601 NW 12^th Avenue, Miami, Florida  33101

(305) 243-6781, www.miami.edu/touch-research

 American Massage Therapy Association, (847) 864-0123 Chicago, website @ www.amtamassage.org

 Supplies, Video’s, Books, Infant Massage Instructor Training

Gentle Touch Warehouse, Inc. 1720 Willow Creek Circle, Suite 518, Eugene, Or 97402 Phone: 888-448-9489 Fax: (514) 485-7372

International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) 1720 Willow Creek Cir, Suite 516, Eugene, Or 97402 1-800-248-5432

Compiled by Kathleen Brinkman, RN, MSN 10/98

Replication:
This information is in the public domain unless otherwise indicated.  Readers are encouraged to copy and share it, but please credit The Proceedings for the 1998 International Family Conference on Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome.

Funding:
UACCDD receives major support from the Hamilton County Mental Retardation Service Levy.  Additional funding sources include: United Way and Community Chest; Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities of the Department of Health and Human Services; other county, state, and federal agencies; foundations; and individual contributions.
The 1998 International Family Conference on Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome is very grateful for the generous support of The Special Friends Foundation.

This document was added to the Rubinstein-Taybi web site in November 2000.

If any of the information found on this website does not adhere to copyright laws it is unintentional, please contact dwardlow@uswest.net and it will be removed from the site.

http://www.rubinstein-taybi.org