Double-blind randomized control trial of acupuncture for autistic spectrum disorder

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy, safety, and compliance of short-term electro-acupuncture (EA) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: This was a randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled, clinical trial. Children with ASD were randomly assigned to EA group (n=30) or sham electro-acupuncture (SEA) group (n=25) matched by age and severity of autism. The EA group received EA for selected acupoints while SEA group received sham EA to sham acupoints. A total of 12 acupuncture sessions over 4 weeks were given. Primary outcome measures included WeeFIM, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), Leiter International Performance Scale–Revised (Leiter-R), Clinical Global Impression–Improvement (CGI-I) scale. Secondary outcome measures consisted of Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Ritvo-Freeman Real Life Scale (RFRLS), Reynell Developmental Language Scale (RDLS), and standardised parental report. Data were analysed by Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in language comprehension domain of WeeFIM (P=0.02), self-care caregiver assistant domain of PEDI (P=0.028), and CGI-I (P=0.003) in the EA than SEA group. As for parental report, the EA group also showed significantly better social initiation (P=0.01), receptive language (P=0.006), motor skill (P=0.034), coordination (P=0.07), and attention span (P=0.003). More than 70% children with ASD adapted acupuncture easily, while 8% had poor acupuncture compliance. Mild side-effect with minor superficial bleeding or irritability during acupuncture was found. CONCLUSION: A short 4 weeks (12 sessions) course of EA is useful to improve the specific function in children with ASD, especially for language comprehension and self-care ability.