Retrospective case control study of microcurrent therapy in autism spectrum disorder: Behavioral outcomes and dose-response analysis

Abstract

Microcurrent therapy (MCT) is an emerging treatment modality in medicine, but its potential effects on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of MCT on ASD symptoms to inform future clinical trials. We conducted a retrospective case-control study involving 21 pediatric patients and one adult with ASD who underwent MCT using a standardized protocol. The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was administered before and after treatment to evaluate behavioral changes. A paired t-test compared pre- and post-treatment ATEC scores, while an unpaired t-test compared the MCT-treated group with age-matched historical controls reported in the literature. Linear regression analysis assessed the dose-response relationship. MCT was well tolerated, with no serious side effects. The 22 patients completed an average of 32 sessions. Paired t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in ATEC scores, with an average decrease of 28.6 points (42.8 %) (p = 0.007, 95 % CI: 8.3–48.9). In comparison to historical controls, the MCT-treated group showed greater improvement (26.4 points, 42.6 %) versus controls (7.9 points, 13.2 %) (p = 0.0001, 95 % CI: 19.9–47.5). Linear regression demonstrated a strong correlation between the number of MCT sessions and the magnitude of improvement (R = 0.693, F = 18.5, p = 0.0003, 95 % CI). These findings suggest that MCT may have a therapeutic effect on ASD, as evidenced by significant pre- and post-treatment improvements compared to historical controls and a dose-dependent response. Further research through larger clinical trials is warranted.