1 in 44 children in the US is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. But there is something wrong about this narrative, and it has nothing to do with the statistics.
Rather than viewing Autistic children as having a disorder, there is a more accepting way to understand and interact with our children, neighbors, and students. This notion — of creating space for perspective and understanding — is at the heart of Britt Yap’s non-profit organization, High Vibrational Child.
Inspired by her five year-old Autistic son Reef, Yap’s non-profit makes Reiki (universal life force energy) accessible to kids and families. Reiki has become a way that Yap communicates with her non-verbal son; through Reiki, Yap has found a connection and perspective that was otherwise not possible. As Reiki master and founder of Holomua Healing Arts, Britt has created a space for caretakers, educators, and Autistic individuals to receive Reiki to connect with themselves and their loved ones.
“Reef changed the way my husband and I raise our children; he taught us to approach life through a different perspective,” says Yap. “Reiki is a tool that allows us to tap into a deeper understanding of our relationship with ourselves and those we love. At Holomua, we create a space that encourages unconditional love for those who are deemed ‘different’ by society.”
Reiki is a soothing, holistic treatment for autism, Asperger’s ADD/ADHD and related issues that can be done without even touching the child if they are extremely touch sensitive, stranger-shy, or hyperactive. This is particularly important as autistic children are often averse to touch, are sensory sensitive or have elements of hyperactivity woven into their complex behaviors.
Part of the difficulty with autism is the intense anxiety – worry over social communication, anxiety during transitions, anxiety when dealing with changes of the smallest degree. It makes it challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep. Headaches and stomach- aches are plentiful in these children. Reiki can aid to calm the fears of these very-anxious souls. It is not unusual for autistic children to have improved sleep patterns after the first treatment. Reiki can work without getting in the way of either conventional or alternative treatments.
