Effects of Touch Acupuncture Stimulation on Extended Communication Skills and Attitude among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Acupuncture Centers in Chennai

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neuro developmental disorder marked by deficits in social communication, language, and behavioral flexibility. Conventional therapies, though beneficial, often show limited efficacy in managing core symptoms. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medical intervention, has been explored as an adjunctive therapy for enhancing neurobehavioral outcomes in children with ASD. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving behavioral and communicative outcomes among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group study was conducted among 60 children aged 4–12 years diagnosed with ASD based on DSM-5 criteria. Participants received standardized scalp and body acupuncture targeting GV20, LI4, and ST36 points, thrice weekly for 12 weeks, along with conventional behavioral therapy. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) were used to measure symptom changes at baseline and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and ANOVA with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Following 12 weeks of acupuncture, significant improvement was observed in mean CARS scores (p < 0.01) and ABC scores (p < 0.05). Marked enhancements were noted in social interaction, language use, and attention span. No serious adverse effects were reported, indicating that acupuncture is well-tolerated in pediatric populations.Conclusion: Acupuncture appears to be a safe and beneficial adjunctive therapy for children with ASD, improving behavioral and communicative functions. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings and standardize treatment protocols.