Chinese Chan-Based Prospective Neuropsychological Intervention for Autistic Children

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) established by the US government, mind-body intervention is defined as any intervention which “focuses on the interactions among the brain, mind, body and behavior, with the intent to use the mind to affect physical functioning and promote health.” The fundamental assumptions are that the mind and the body are interconnected and individuals have the internal ability to change their own thoughts and behaviors so as to enhance their mental and physical health. There are many different kinds of mind-body interventions. Some of them have been widely adopted clinically and regarded as mainstream techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, progressive relaxation, and guided imagery. Some other techniques, such as Qigong, Tai Chi, meditation, yoga, and massage, are considered as complementary and alternative methods, of which the therapeutic