The Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Abstract

Objectives. We aimed to summarize and critically evaluate the available evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods. We searched 13 databases for studies published up to December 2016. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture for children with ASD were included. Outcome measures were the overall scores on scales evaluating the core symptoms of ASD and the scores for each symptom, such as social communication ability and skills, stereotypies, language ability, and cognitive function. Effect sizes were presented as mean differences (MD). Results. Twenty-seven RCTs with 1736 participants were included. Acupuncture complementary to behavioral and educational intervention significantly decreased the overall scores on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) (MD −8.10, 95% CI −12.80 to −3.40) and the Autism Behavior Checklist (MD −8.92, 95% CI −11.29 to −6.54); however, it was unclear which of the ASD symptoms improved. Acupuncture as a monotherapy also reduced the overall CARS score. The reported adverse events were acceptable. Conclusions. This review suggests that acupuncture may be effective and safe for pediatric ASD. However, it is not conclusive due to the heterogeneity of the acupuncture treatment methods used in the studies.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation in Early Life Changes Synaptic Plasticity and Improves Symptoms in a Valproic Acid-Induced Rat Model of Autism

“…Some research suggests that acupuncture could help ASD children to relieve their symptoms [ 24 – 26 ]. Moreover, meta-analysis results show that acupuncture could help ASD children reduce their Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and their Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) score [ 27 ]. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint (TEAS) combines traditional acupuncture therapy with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, which can produce effects similar to acupuncture [ 28 ].…”

Safety and efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder

“…[ 22 ] As a major form of Chinese medicine, from clinical trials and SRs, acupuncture is reported to improve various developmental and behavioral aspects of children with ASD, it's safe but children experienced pain and cried during the treatment. [ 23 – 26 ] Tetrahydrobiopterin is an important cofactor in the biosynthesis of catecholamines and serotonin, and in the treatment of ASD, it is reported to significantly improve social interaction subscale of the CARS. [ 27 ] l -Carnosine is a dipeptide known for its antioxidant properties and proposed enhancement of γ-aminobutyric acid function in the brain, with possible anticonvulsive effects, it was showed to significantly improve CARS score on ASD children.…”

Modern Technologies in Studying the Mechanisms, Diagnostics, and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (Review)

“…In evaluating the possibilities of complementary and alternative therapy in the treatment of ASD, the most promising are considered such interventions, as musical therapy [60-62], sensory-integration therapy, or sensory enrichment of the environment [63], acupuncture [64] and massage [65]. A technology is proposed to enhance physical activity in children with ASD, aimed at developing increased physiological responses to dynamic movements by continuously measuring energy expenditure and heart rate during specially organized training [66].…”