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Advanced Neurology ASD treatment through acupuncture

Psychiatric Association marked a pivotal moment in this conceptual framework may offer insights into the disorder.
context, formally introducing ASD and revising diagnostic In TCM, developmental issues such as “language delay”
standards. This revision brought clarity and uniformity to and “weak fetus” are linked to congenital deficiencies
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the diagnosis of ASD, helping clinicians and researchers and inadequate nourishment of the brain, which can
to identify and categorize cases more effectively. However, be relevant for understanding ASD. These concepts
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these changes also sparked discussions and controversies suggest that imbalances in the body’s vital energies might
regarding the scope and boundaries of the disorder. The impact cognitive and behavioral development, potentially
term “spectrum” highlights the broad range of symptoms reflecting aspects of ASD. Acupuncture, a key therapeutic
and severities observed in individuals with ASD, reflecting practice in TCM, involves inserting fine needles into
the complexity and heterogeneity of the condition. This specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and
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spectrum nature necessitates a nuanced understanding and promote healing. This modality has been widely applied to
an individualized approach to diagnosis and treatment. various neurological conditions, with evidence suggesting
it may improve clinical symptoms of ASD. Studies
ASD is characterized by persistent deficits in social indicate that acupuncture can enhance social interaction
communication, interaction, and repetitive behaviors. and communication while reducing repetitive behaviors
These deficits vary widely in severity and presentation, in individuals with ASD. 6,10-13 However, despite these
making each case unique. From infancy, children with promising results, the current body of research is limited
ASD may show minimal or absent social interactions, lack and varied, highlighting the need for more detailed case
emotional sharing, and exhibit reduced or absent imitation reports and rigorous clinical trials. Such studies are essential
of others’ behaviors. Their language is often limited to to validate the efficacy of acupuncture for ASD and to
expressing needs rather than engaging in commentary, develop optimized treatment protocols. Addressing these
sharing feelings, or maintaining conversations. This research gaps will be crucial for integrating acupuncture
can significantly hinder their ability to form and into conventional therapeutic strategies and ensuring its
maintain relationships. In addition, deficits in nonverbal effective application in managing ASD symptoms.
communicative behaviors may manifest as a lack, reduction,
or atypical use of eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, In recent decades, pediatric acupuncture, notably Liu’s
body posture, or tone of voice. These challenges further pediatric acupuncture therapy, has gained traction for its
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isolate individuals with ASD, leading to behaviors that can efficacy in neurological rehabilitation. Liu’s pioneering work
appear inappropriate, passive, or aggressive. 3 has led to the development of tailored acupuncture techniques
for cognitive rehabilitation, forming a comprehensive
Moreover, many individuals with ASD experience approach known as pediatric neurological rehabilitation
intellectual and/or language impairments, with significant acupuncture therapy (PNRAT). The characteristics of Liu’s
discrepancies between intellectual abilities and adaptive PNRAT include painless insertion and enjoyable needle
functioning. These impairments can complicate their retention, often combined with simultaneous training tasks
educational and social experiences. Atypical motor signs, during the needle retention period. This method aims to
such as odd postures or clumsiness, may also be present, integrate traditional acupuncture with modern rehabilitation
adding another layer of difficulty. Behavioral issues, including strategies to enhance treatment outcomes.
self-injury and destructive or provocative behaviors, are not
uncommon and can be distressing for both the individuals This case is unique as it highlights the application of
and their families. Anxiety and depression are prevalent Liu’s PNRAT for a 6-year-old girl diagnosed with ASD,
among individuals with ASD, further complicating their intellectual developmental disorder, attention deficit
social and emotional well-being. Traditional treatments hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and articulation disorder.
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for ASD primarily focus on behavioral interventions, The therapy involves using scalp acupuncture techniques
speech therapy, occupational therapy, and pharmacological specifically targeting cognitive and linguistic rehabilitation
areas. The case report demonstrates significant improvements
management. While these treatments can be beneficial, in the patient’s cognitive, linguistic, social, and behavioral
they often face limitations, including variable response symptoms after the treatment course. These improvements
rates and the need for long-term intervention to achieve suggest that acupuncture, particularly Liu’s PNRAT, may
significant improvements. This highlights the necessity for offer a valuable complementary approach to conventional
continued research and the development of more effective therapies for ASD. The observed improvements contribute
and comprehensive treatment strategies to better support to the growing interest in the potential of acupuncture as
individuals with ASD and their families. an adjunct therapy for ASD symptoms, despite ongoing
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) does not explicitly controversies and the need for more research to optimize
reference ASD in its classical literature; however, its treatment protocols.

Volume 3 Issue 4 (2024) 2 doi: 10.36922/an.3783