Electroacupuncture for children with autism spectrum disorder: pilot study of 2 cases.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to observe for efficacy, safety, and compliance of electroacupuncture for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: Two (2) children with ASD received electroacupuncture for 24 sessions over 8 weeks and were assessed pre- and postacupuncture. We defined a positive or negative change as an improvement or deterioration of 25%, respectively, in total score or any subscales of Aberrant Behavioral Checklist (ABC), Ritvo-Freeman Real Life Scale (RFRLS), WeeFIM, and as a rating of much improved or much worse on the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale. RESULTS: For ABC, positive changes in "Irritability" and "Stereotypy" was noted in case 1 but no changes occurred for case 2. For RFRLS, positive changes were found for both cases in Sensory motor, was noted for case 2 in "Affectual response." For WeeFIM, there were no positive or negative changes in both cases. For CGI-I, positive change in case 1 with much improved in "Social relatedness, Communication, and Stereotypy behavior" was reported. CONCLUSIONS: A short intensive course of electroacupuncture might improve some core features of children with ASD.