Our platform trains parents in the QST method, a parent-delivered therapy developed and continuously refined by our research partner, the Qigong Sensory Training Institute (QSTI).
Below is a comprehensive list of peer-reviewed studies published by QSTI.

• QST massage for 6-12-year-olds with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An extension study​. Silva, L, Schalock M, Gabrielson K, Horton-Dunbar G. Published by Western Oregon University.

• One and Two-year Outcomes of Treating Preschool Children with Autism with a Qigong Massage Protocol: An Observational Follow-along Study. Silva, L, Schalock M, Gabrielsen KR, Horton-Dunbar G. Journal of Alternative and Integrative Medicine 5:216. (2016).

• First Skin Biopsy Reports in Children with Autism Show Loss of C-Tactile Fibers. Silva, L., Schalock, M. (2016). Journal of Neurological Disorders 4:262 (2016).

• About Face: Evaluating and Managing Tactile Impairment at the Time of Autism Diagnosis. Silva, L., Schalock, M., Gabrielsen, K. (2015). Autism Research and Treatment, Volume 2015 (2015), Article ID 612507, 10 pages,

• Early intervention with a parent-delivered massage protocol directed at tactile abnormalities decreases the severity of autism and improves child-to-parent interactions: a replication study. Silva, L., Schalock, M., Gabrielsen, K., Budden, S., Buenrostro, M., and Horton, G. (2015). Autism Research and Treatment, Volume 2015 (2015), Article ID 904585, 16 pages,

• Treatment of Tactile Impairment in Young Children with Autism: Results with Qigong Massage. Silva, L. Schalock, M. (2013). International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 6(4):12-20.

• Prevalence and Significance of Abnormal Tactile Responses in Young Children with Autism. Silva, L. Schalock, M. (2013). North American Journal of Medicine and Science, 6(3):121-127.

• ​Alternative Support for Families with Autistic Children in Lithuania. Silva, L., Vaicekauskaite, R., & Aciene, E. (2012). Tiltai/Bridges, 2(59):125-132.

• Early Intervention for Autism with a Parent-delivered Qigong Massage Program:  A Randomized Controlled Trial. Silva, L., Schalock, M. & Gabrielsen, K. (2011). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(5):550-559. 

• Qigong Massage Treatment for Sensory and Self-Regulation Problems in Young Children with Autism:  A Randomized Controlled Trial. Silva, L., Schalock, M., Ayres, R., Bunse, C., & Budden, S. (2009).  American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63, 423-432. 

• A Model and Treatment for Autism at the Convergence of Chinese Medicine and Neuroscience: First 130 Cases. Silva, L., Ayres, R., & Schalock, M. (2011). Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 17(6):421-429. 

• Autism Parenting Stress Index:  Initial Psychometric Evidence. Silva, L. & Schalock, M. (2011). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorder. 

• Sense and Self-Regulation Checklist, a Measure of Comorbid Autism Symptoms:  Initial Psychometric Evidence. Silva, L. & Schalock, M. (2012). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(2):177-186. 

• Outcomes of a Pilot Training Program in a Qigong Massage Intervention for Young Children with Autism. Silva, L., Ayres, R., & Schalock, M. (September/October 2008). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 62(5), 530-538. 

• “Willing to Try Anything,” “Nothing to Lose”: How Families Experience and Explain an Alternative Treatment for Autism. Ferguson, D. & Silva, L.M.T. (2008). Teaching Research Institute Publications.

• ​Improvement in Sensory Impairment and Social Interaction in Young Children with Autism following Treatment with an Original Qigong Massage Methodology. Silva, L., Cignolini A., Warren, R., Skowron-Gooch, A., & Budden, S. (2007). American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 35(3), 393-406. 

• A Medical Qigong Methodology for Early Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Silva, L. & Cignolini, A. (2005).  American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 33(2), 315-27. 

• Neural Mechanisms of Qigong Sensory Training Massage for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Feasibility Study. Jerger, K., Lundegard, L., Piepmeier, A., Faurot, K., Ruffino, A., Jerger, M., Belger, A. (2018).

• Qigong Sensory Training pilot study: A tactile home program for children with or at-risk for autism, Tal-Atzili, O. & Salls, J. (2017). Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, DOI: 10.1080/19411243.2017.1325819.

• Specific sensory techniques and sensory environmental modifications for children and youth with sensory integration difficulties: A systematic review. Bodison, S. C., & Parham, L. D. (2018). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72, 7201190040.

• Parental or teacher education and coaching to support function and participation of children and youth with sensory processing and sensory integration challenges: A systematic review. Miller-Kuhaneck, H., & Watling, R. (2018). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72, 7201190030.

• Interventions supporting mental health and positive behavior in children ages birth–5 yr: A systematic review. Kingsley, K., Sagester, G., & Weaver, L. L. (2020). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74, 7402180050.