High-quality randomised controlled trials of acupuncture interventions for autism spectrum disorder in the last 10 years (2015-2024): A literature review.

Researchers reviewed 31 studies testing acupuncture as a treatment for autism. The studies mostly used needles on head points for 12 weeks. While many different ways of measuring improvements were used, the quality of evidence was found to be limited. The researchers say better designed studies with agreed-upon ways of measuring outcomes are needed before acupuncture can be recommended as a treatment for autism.

This systematic review examined 31 randomised controlled trials of acupuncture interventions for autism spectrum disorder published between 2015-2024. The review found that current research predominantly uses head acupoints with 12-week treatment protocols and moderate stimulation techniques. Studies measured 37 different outcome indicators across six domains, with symptom measures being most common (59.46% of assessments). The Childhood Autism Rating Scale was the most frequently used assessment tool.

However, the authors concluded that current evidence quality is limited, restricting clinical implementation. They emphasised the need for standardised trial designs, consensus-driven outcome measures, and development of core outcome sets to improve research quality and clinical relevance.

Current evidence does not support routine clinical implementation of acupuncture for autism. The field requires standardised trial designs, consensus on outcome measures, and development of core outcome sets before reliable clinical recommendations can be made.

The review notes that current RCT evidence is limited in quality. The abstract does not provide specific details about individual study methodologies, effect sizes, or safety outcomes, limiting assessment of intervention effectiveness.

The efficacy of acupuncture as a nonpharmacological therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasingly studied. To evaluate the current research methodologies and outcome measures in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for ASD, we systematically searched eight major databases for relevant Chinese and English language literature published between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2024. A total of 31 relevant studies were included in the literature review. Studies on acupuncture interventions for ASD were categorised into two- or three-arm designs, primarily employing indirect controls.

Interventions predominantly utilised head acupoints for 12 weeks, and the acupuncture techniques were mainly tonifying and reducing techniques with moderate stimulation. Outcome indicators (n = 37) were categorised into six domains, selected a total of 111 times: symptoms and signs (59.46 %), physical and chemical test indicators (20.72 %), quality of life (8.11 %), safety events (7.21 %), functional status (2.70 %), and Chinese medical symptoms/syndrome (2.70 %). The Childhood Autism Rating Scale had the highest reporting rate among the indicators (23.24 %). Measurements were predominantly performed before treatment, post-treatment, and at the 12-week follow-up visit.

Current evidence from RCTs on acupuncture for ASD is limited, restricting the clinical implementation of acupuncture protocols. Future high-quality studies should focus on standardising clinical trial designs, minimising bias, establishing consensus-driven outcome measurement selection, and developing a core outcome set for acupuncture in patients with ASD. These steps are essential for enhancing the methodological rigor and clinical relevance of acupuncture research in ASD.