Objective To explore the effect on the core symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD) treated with acupuncture at “ghost points”

combined with the acupoints selected by syndrome differentiation. Methods A total of 124 ASD children were divided into a control group and a treatment group according to random number table

62 cases in each group. In the control group

the routine rehabilitation treatment was provided in all of children

while in the treatment group

acupuncture was exerted at “ghost points”

combined with the acupoints selected by syndrome differentiation. Acupuncture treatment was conducted for 15 min each time

5 days weekly

for 3 months totally. Before and after treatment

the children were assessed with autism spectrum rating scale(ASRS) in two groups. Results After treatment

the total score(T-score) of ASRS and the score of each sub-scale

e.g. peer socialization

adult socialization

social/emotional reciprocity

atypical language

stereotypy

repetitive behavior

sensory sensitivity

attention/self-regulation were all reduced remarkably as compared with those before treatment in intra-group comparison(P<0.05

P<0.01). Compared with the control group

the scores aforementioned were all significantly reduced in the treatment group(P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture at “ghost poitns” combined with the acupoints selected by syndrome differentiation effectively relieves the core symptoms of ASD in children and improves the holistic therapeutic effect.