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AUTISM(AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS, ASD, ADD, ADHD, ASPERGER'S SYNDROME)

GENERAL

Clinical Manifestations	** At this point, Chinese Medicine is used to treat the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders and does not offer a cure. Autism is a complex neurological disorder of largely unknown cause characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication and by restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. It is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism is characterized by a profound disturbance in the emergence of social relations, apparent as early as the first months of life and almost always by age three years. There is no known cure. Not everyone with autism has the same symptoms. The symptoms include but are not restricted to: Anxiety Depression Mood swings (bipolar disorder) Obsessions Compulsions Inattention Hyperactivity Many autistic children show allergy symptoms such as: Eczema Allergic rhinitis Asthma Chronic infection or inflammation The signs of autism in Traditional Chinese Medicine are: Severe bronchitis Constant gastritis Recurrent hepatitis Distension of biceps Dizziness Nausea Peptic ulcer Copious Phlegm Anxiety Unhealthy taste Shortage of consciousness Shyness Minor thirst Violet tongue Evasive-abrupt pulse Rapid-wiry pulse Spleen and Kidney Deficiency
Treatment Principle
Herb Formulas
Points

PHLEGM CONFUSES THE HEART ORIFICE (DIAN)

Clinical Manifestations	Taciturn and uncommunicative behavior Dementia Lack of sympathy Apathy Soliloquy Mental confusion Clouding of consciousness Talking to oneself Acting as if no one else is present Dull expression with blank stare Odd behavior Maybe loss of consciousness Maybe falling to the ground Sound of phlegm in throat with gurgling T: Pink C: White and greasy P: Deep and slippery; maybe wiry
Treatment Principle	Clear Phlegm Open the Orifices
Herb Formulas	Autism #3
Points	DU-16, DU-26, HT-7, PC-5, ST-40, UB-15, UB-18, UB-20, UB-62

HEART BLOOD DEFICIENCY

Clinical Manifestations	Shyness Inattention Depression Mood swings Obsessions Palpitations Irritability Anxiety Easily startled Insomnia Much dreaming Poor memory Dizziness Pale face and lips T: Pale C: White P: Thready and weak
Treatment Principle	Nourish Heart Blood Calm the Heart and Shen
Herb Formulas	Autism #1 For hyperkinetic syndrome in patients who display changeable interests, divided attention, amnesia, dreaminess, stuttering or problems in formation of phrases and sentences: Autism #2
Points	HT-7, PC-6, REN-4, REN-14, SP-6, ST-36, UB-15, UB-17, UB-20, Rice-grain moxa SP-1

LIVER QI STAGNATION: PHLEGM AND QI STAGNANT AND BLOCKED

Clinical Manifestations	Apathy Dementia Muttering to oneself A feeling of obstruction in throat as if a slice of roast meat were stuck there which cannot be coughed up nor swallowed down. This sensation becomes more prominent during emotional upset and subsides when relaxed Distention and pain in the sides or flanks Suffocating sensation in the chest Tendency to sigh Melancholy Depression Irritability Inappropriate anger Irregular menses Dysmenorrhea Breast distention and pain before and during menses T: Pink C: Thin and white P: Slippery and wiry (slippery due to Phlegm)
Treatment Principle	Spread Qi Resolve Phlegm
Herb Formulas	Autism #5
Points	LI-18, LIV-3, PC-5, SI-17, SJ-6

QI AND BLOOD DEFICIENCY

Clinical Manifestations	Spiritlessness Suspiciousness Melancholy Refusal of food Soliloquy A tendency to cry Fatigue Loose stools Dizziness Pale face Weak voice Reluctance to speak Sweating with little or no exertion Palpitations Insomnia Dry skin Dry hair Poor memory Paleness Scanty periods T: Pale or Pale, thin and dry C: Thin and white P: Weak or Thin and choppy
Treatment Principle	Tonify Qi Nourish the Blood Calm the Shen
Herb Formulas	Autism #4
Points	KI-3, LIV-3, LU-9, SP-6, ST-36, UB-11, UB-17