Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)in treating children with autism spectrum disorders.Methods Forty-one autistic children receiving rehabilitation training were randomized into TEAS(n=21)and control(n=20)groups.The control group only received rehabilitation training.The TEAS group received both rehabilitation training and TEAS treatment[2Hz/15 Hz alternating frequencies through two pairs of skin electrodes placed at Hegu(LI 4)-Neiguan(PC6)on unilateral side

and Zusanli(ST 36)-Sanyinjiao(SP 6)on the contralateral side].The treatment was given 30 min per day for 12 weeks.The outcome assessment was quantified with a series of rating scales including Autism Behavior Checklist(ABC)

Childhood Autism Rating Scale(CARS)and Parent Symptom Questionnaire(PSQ).Results(1)The TEAS group showed more significant improvement than the control group in ABC(P<0.01).38.1% effective rate(8/21)was observed in the TEAS group compared to 5.0%(1/20)in the control group(P<0.05).The CARS scores of both groups were reduced(P<0.0001)after treatment.The TEAS group showed significantly lower score compared to the control group(P<0.0001).(2)There was a distinctly reduced PSQ score in both TEAS and control groups(P<0.001)after treatment.(3)TEAS intervention showed better effect in children under 6years old with moderate or severe autistic symptoms.Conclusion TEAS intervention can significantly improve the autistic symptoms.