Bonding and Relaxation Techniques (BART) use gentle touch to help parents bond with their special needs children, based on the parenting theories of Virnala McClure and developed by Evelyn Guyer. BART can improve physical and emotional development, and help parents connect with their children.
One of the simplest yet most innovative methods to help parents bond with their special needs children is the Bonding and Relaxation Techniques (BART). Responding to a child’s need for parental interaction, Bonding and Relaxation Techniques use a gentle, loving touch to communicate safety and self-worth to children and adults with special needs.
Based on the parenting theories of Virnala McClure, the Bonding and Relaxation Techniques approach was developed by Evelyn Guyer. Guyer’s innovations in infant massage techniques and therapy have long been known to benefit those with special needs. Some therapists believe that its careful dissemination through massage has created new possibilities for parents who once had little hope of connecting with their children who are deaf, blind, deafblind or otherwise abled.
Guyer’s methodology may seem natural enough to loving parents. Trained therapeutic technicians teach caregivers and parents to interact more successfully with the children they attend by stroking, touching, applying welcome pressure, and communicating gently to create a comfortable and safe zone for the child. When parents and paid professionals coddle or comfort children who have limited communication skills, children feel safer and a bond is created or strengthened. Additionally, the benefits of relaxation are said to improve muscle tone, increase flexibility, and decrease the cramping and pain associated with many disabilities.
For parents and other loved ones, the benefits of bonding and relaxation techniques can be emotional. Disabilities often make it difficult for parents to connect with their children with special needs. Techniques taught by Guyer and trained therapists nationwide help parents find new ways to communicate with children who may not usually be responsive. Many parents feel hurt because they perceive their failed attempts at interaction as rejection. What bonding and relaxation practitioners help parents understand is that gentle touch can be applied to help those children with special needs understand their parents’ intentions.
Bonding and relaxation techniques have helped many learn to cope with the pain they feel in relation to their special needs children. Many feel empowered to deal with their children’s sometimes challenging needs. By demonstrating love and protection through soft caresses and gentle touch, these parents hope to improve their children’s quality of life.
Some research suggests they are doing the right thing. Children and adults with special needs who receive massages aligned with bonding and relaxation techniques show improvement in their physical and emotional development. Disabled people who learn better communication methods and feel more love live better lives.
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