Description: Patterning is a series of exercises designed to improve the “neurologic organization” of a child’s neurologic impairments. It requires that these exercises be performed over many hours during the day by several persons who manipulate a child’s head and extremities in patterns purporting to simulate prenatal and postnatal movements of nonimpaired children.
Research Summary: There have been no scientific studies on Patterning for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Recommendations: Researchers may wish to conduct studies with strong scientific designs to evaluate Patterning. Professionals should present Patterning as untested and encourage families who are considering this intervention to evaluate it carefully.
