Acupuncture for autistic spectrum disorder

Abstract

The objectives of this Cochrane systematic review were to determine the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We intend to review whether acupuncture is effective in improving social, communication, behavioural impairment, quality of life and overall functioning, and whether acupuncture is associated with any adverse effects.

Acupuncture for children with autism spectrum disorder

“…Although acupuncture has been used to treat a number of different conditions/diseases, the use of acupuncture for ASD is an under‐researched area 3 . In this context, this RCT, 4 along with other previous reports 5,6 by the same author/team, is highly welcome.…”

“…To date, there are 23 studies investigating the use of acupuncture in autism. The types of interventions studied include body acupuncture (with a diverse use of acupoints), scalp acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, electro‐acupuncture and tongue acupuncture 3,8–14 . We have also conducted a Cochrane review on the use of acupuncture for ASD 9,10 .…”

Acupuncture for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

“…Currently, only one Cochrane systematic review protocol on this subject is available (Cheuk et al 2011).…”