Research: Autism in China: From Acupuncture to Applied Behavior Analysis

Authored by Clark, E., and Zhou Z. in Psychology in the Schools, Volume 42, Issue 3, p. 285-295, (2005).

Article summary (posted Jul 1, 2009):

In China, children with autism spectrum disorders may be more likely to receive acupuncture or herbal medicines than applied behavior analysis (ABA).

Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in China,but there are few resources for autism therapy for children these disorders. Therapies often included a mix of traditional medicines and acupuncture with sensory integration therapy. ABA was used less often. A Chinese study reported improvements in social and communication skills with acupuncture. There were very few scientific studies that evaluated the effectiveness of these therapies in China. The largest problem is the severe shortage of trained therapists to help children with autism in China. Few schools and hospitals are currently able to provide therapy services.

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You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF").
acupuncture, applied behavior analysis (ABA), autism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Chinese, communication, effectiveness, herbal medicines, psychologist, school, sensory integration, social skills groups, therapist, therapy
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