Objective

2

To compare the clinical effect of thumbtack needle at front-

mu

points combined with conventional rehabilitation training and simple conventional rehabilitation training in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Methods

2

A total of 40 children with ASD were randomly divided into a combination group (20 cases

3 cases dropped out) and a conventional rehabilitation group (20 cases

3 cases dropped out). Conventional rehabilitation training i.e. language-cognition training and comprehensive education training was adopted in the conventional rehabilitation group

once a day

5 days a week. On the basis of the treatment in the conventional rehabilitation group

thumbtack needle was applied at Zhongwan (CV 12)

bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) and Guanyuan (CV 4) in the combination group

the needles were retained for 3 days each time

3-day interval was taken between each treatment

for 5 times per month. One-month treatment was as one course and a total of 3 courses were required in both groups

with 10-day break between each course. Before and after treatment

the scores of autism behavior checklist (ABC)

childhood autism rating scale (CARS)

TCM spleen-stomach symptoms and Achenbach child behavior checklist (CBCL) were observed

and the serum ratio of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (Glu/GABA) was measured.

Results

2

After treatment

the scores of ABC

CARS and CBCL were decreased compared with those before treatment (

P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01) in both groups

the TCM spleen-stomach symptoms score was decreased compared with that before treatment (

P

<

0.05) in the combination group; the changes in the scores of ABC

CARS

TCM spleen-stomach symptoms and CBCL

as well as the serum Glu/GABA in the combination group were lager than those in the conventional rehabilitation group (

P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01).

Conclusion

2

Both thumbtack needle at front-

mu

points combined with conventional rehabilitation training and simple conventional rehabilitation training can effectively treat ASD

the combination treatment has superior effect on improving the abnormal behavior

spleen-stomach symptoms and balance of nerve impulse and inhibition.