Traditional 'needle' acupuncture uses very thin steel needles, which are inserted into targeted points in the body called acupoints. There are more than 400 acupoints in the body, linked through a system of 14 meridians, or pathways. Acupoints are rich in nerve terminals, and when stimulated, result in activation of both the local point and other, more distant points in the body that fall along the same meridian. Their stimulation may result in neural signaling, electromagnetic energy enhancement, neuro-immunomodulatory and neurochemical-hormonal effects.

Apart from 'plain' steel needles, acupoints can be stimulated by mild electric stimulation (electroacupuncture), pressure (acupressure, cupping), heat (including moxibustion), laser-generated light (see chapter on Light therapies) or even colored light beams (Colorpuncture).

The therapeutic effect of acupuncture depends on the acupoint(s) selected and the type of stimulation used. Traditional acupoints on the scalp and body have been found effective for treating children with brain dysfunction, resulting in improvement in the patient's overall functional abilities. In recent years several small-scale studies of acupuncture in autism have been done in China and Taiwan, with very promising results. All studies observed beneficial effects of (electro)acupuncture on reducing autistic symptoms, when used alongside more traditional behavioural therapies.

In her 2003 report on Tongue Acupuncture and Autism, Professor Virginia Wong (Division of Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Hong Kong) wrote:
In a revolutionary new treatment, our research team has demonstrated for the first time in a clinical trial how acupuncture can successfully improve the dysfunction related to autism, by activating vital connections in the brain. We hypothesize that repetitive stimulation of specific tongue acupoints can reconnect the neural circuit through its rich neural network to the cerebellum. Improvement may result through the resignaling of the neural circuits via neurotransmitters, like serotonin/5-HT, dopamine and neurochemicals like cortisol. This reconnection of the cerebellar-frontal-temporal circuits may reverse the basic dysfunctional pathways in autism, including attention, emotion, or hyperactivity, and open up a positive road for learning communicative or cognitive skills. Once the "latent" brain is reactivated again, the use of intensive therapeutic interventions (such as speech, occupational therapy and behavioral therapy) and education can help children process information in a more efficient way.

Acupuncture & Autism: Can Acupuncture of the Tongue help Autism, by By Professor Virginia Wong, 2003. Link to full report. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Mar;14(2):109-14.

Scalp acupuncture effect on language development in children with autism: a pilot study. Allam H et al, Complementary Medicine Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007 Sep;27(9):660-2.

Effects of electroacupuncture combined with behaviour therapy on intelligence and behaviour of children of autism, Wang CN et al, Rehabilitation Section, Shenyang City Hospital of Children, Liaoning 110032, China Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007 Jul;27(7):503-5

Effect of acupuncture on rehabilitation training of child's autism, Yan YF et al, Nanning Disabled Children's Rehabilitation Center, Guangxi, China Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006 May;26(5):419-22.

Effect of acupuncture combined behaviour intervention on children with autism, Ma RL et al, Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University

We currently do not have links to UK practitioners experienced in acupuncture as a treatment for autism. If you have any further information or contacts please contact us on TreatingAutismUK@aol.com

Acufinder.com is a website listing practitioners in your area.

The following two practitiners were recommended to us as having some experience in pediatric acupuncture but please do double check in advance:

Tracey Goulding BSc(Hons) Acupuncture
Chatfield Medical Centre
Battersea, London Sw11

Angelo D'Alberto BSc (Hons) TCM, MBAcC
The Vale Practice
East Dulwich, London SE22