Effect of acupuncture on rehabilitation treatment of children with different degrees of autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled trial - Report - MDSpire

Effect of acupuncture on rehabilitation treatment of children with different degrees of autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled trial

  • By

  • Qinliang Zhang

  • Mo Li

  • Zhenwei Zhou

  • Liyan Tian

  • Lianju Liu

  • Jun Zhang

  • June 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Impact of Acupuncture on Autism Spectrum Disorder Rehabilitation

Overview

This study evaluates the effects of scalp and tongue acupuncture on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social dysfunction and repetitive behaviors. The rising prevalence of ASD necessitates effective treatment strategies.

Data Highlights

MeasureEffect of AcupunctureControl Group
CARS ScoresReductionStandard rehabilitation
PEP-3 ScoresImprovements in cognition, language, motor skills, social behavior, and self-careStandard rehabilitation

Key Findings

  • Acupuncture improved cognition, language, motor skills, social behavior, and self-care in children with ASD.
  • Children with mild-to-moderate ASD showed effects in verbal and receptive language, social reciprocity, and adaptive behavior.
  • Among children with severe ASD, acupuncture improved cognition, language, and problem behavior compared to controls.
  • No side effects were reported in the acupuncture treatment group.
  • Routine rehabilitation training was effective regardless of acupuncture treatment.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that acupuncture may serve as a beneficial adjunctive therapy for children with ASD, particularly in enhancing cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Clinicians should consider the severity of ASD when recommending acupuncture as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Conclusion

Scalp and tongue acupuncture showed varying effects based on the severity of the disorder.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for post-stroke spasticity: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
  2. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Exploring the Efficacy of Low-Frequency Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Sensory and Behavioral Improvements in Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Study
  3. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Investigation of Plasma and Urinary Neurotransmitter Levels in Chinese Pediatric Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  4. 2024 surveillance of autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management (NICE guideline CG170)
  5. High-quality randomised controlled trials of acupuncture interventions for autism spectrum disorder in the last 10 years (2015–2024): A literature review - ScienceDirect
  6. Frontiers in Endocrinology — Commentary: Effect of acupuncture for poor ovarian response: a multicenter randomized controlled trial
  7. 2024 surveillance of autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management (NICE guideline CG170)
  8. High-quality randomised controlled trials of acupuncture interventions for autism spectrum disorder in the last 10 years (2015–2024): A literature review - ScienceDirect
  9. A systematic review and meta-analysis of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for autism spectrum disorder | Nature Mental Health

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