[Touch in osteopathy, an opening to dialogue and relationship]

Abstract

A baby in relational withdrawal can actively participate in a dialogue with a listening hand, such as the osteopath's. This dialogue can become an organizing factor for toddlers at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, for whom general movements are often disrupted. A young child whose motor skills are disorganized will, in spite of himself, generate an increase in non-affectionate touching. The quality of the bodily dialogue that is put in place is likely to contribute to the harmonization of the baby's development and to the opening of a new space of relationship.

Keywords: baby; bébé; douleur; general movement; mouvement général; neurodevelopmental disorder; osteopathy; ostéopathie; pain; trouble du neurodéveloppement.