Abstract
BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by repetitive stereotypical behavior and communication deficits. Currently, it lacks a specific clinical treatment method. Pediatric Tuina is a recent therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used to treat children with ASD. Nonetheless, it remains uncommon given the lack of large-scale evidence-based medical studies. This study aims to compare the efficacy of Tuina and conventional treatment in children with ASD.MethodsEligible children will be randomly assigned to either the pediatric Tuina plus conventional treatment group or to the conventional treatment alone group based on a random table at a ratio of 1:1. The effectiveness of the Tuina intervention for ASD will be evaluated by a third-party organization. The pre- and post-intervention scores on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale comprised the primary outcome, whereas pre- and post-intervention scores on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist were the secondary outcomes to assess improvement in symptoms. Baseline values of the participants will be determined at the time of registration. Outcomes will be evaluated after the 30th treatment session. The follow-up period will last for 6 months after treatment.DiscussionThis study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Tuina in the treatment of ASD. The results of this study could provide reliable evidence to improve the management of patients with ASD.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (CHICTR), ChiCTR2000040452. Registered on 28 November 2020.
Highlights
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by repetitive stereotypical behavior and communication deficits
The two objectives of this study are (1) to further evaluate the effectiveness of pediatric Tuina as a complementary therapy for children with ASD aged 2–6 years, by comparing it with conventional treatment through a standardized clinical study design, and (2) to promote and facilitate the use of pediatric Tuina in ASD by allowing more children with ASD to benefit from Tuina as a healthy and environmentally friendly physical therapy
ASD development is irreversible, with some symptoms persisting throughout life
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by repetitive stereotypical behavior and communication deficits. It lacks a specific clinical treatment method. Pediatric Tuina is a recent therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used to treat children with ASD It remains uncommon given the lack of large-scale evidence-based medical studies. There are no specific agents for the treatment of ASD, which is currently treated with behavioral interventions such as early parent-mediated interventions [5,6,7,8]; naturalistic behavioral developmental interventions; behavioral and social treatments for school-age children, adolescents, and adults [9,10,11,12]; and even medical clown interventions [13]. These clinical interventions can significantly improve the social adaptability of children with ASD.
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