💫 April is Autism Awareness Month: Let’s Talk Acupuncture for Neurodivergence (ADHD & Autism) 💫

A Traditional Chinese Medicine view on supporting the beautifully wired brain.

April is Autism Awareness Month — a time to celebrate, advocate, and deepen our understanding of neurodiversity, so lets talk about acupuncture for ADHD and Autism. It’s important to honour that everyone’s brain works a little differently, whether we’re talking Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or other forms of neurodivergence. And, in Chinese Medicine, that difference is simply a different pattern of energy that could benefit from support and balance. 🌿🧠

Let’s explore how acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can support neurodivergent kids and adults in navigating a world that isn’t always designed with their wiring in mind 💛

Children holding hands and joyfully playing in a circle on a sunny day, capturing the essence of carefree childhood fun.

🌀 How Does TCM Understand Neurodivergence?

In Chinese medicine, health is about the harmonious flow of Qi (energy) and Blood through the meridians of the body. When there’s excess, deficiency, or stagnation, it can show up as emotional dysregulation, hyperactivity, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, sensory overload — all things that can be part of the neurodivergent experience.

Neurodivergence isn’t a “problem” to fix — it’s a way of being that may come with unique challenges in a fast-paced, sensory-heavy world. TCM meets each person where they are and asks:

“How can we help your body and mind feel more supported, calm, and in flow?”

✨ Acupuncture for ADHD & Autism: What Are the Benefits?

Acupuncture offers gentle, non-invasive support that helps regulate the nervous system — particularly the autonomic nervous system, which governs the fight/flight/freeze response.

Here’s what acupuncture may help with for children and adults with ASD/ADHD:

🌿 Improved focus and concentration

🌿 Reduced anxiety and emotional overwhelm

🌿 Support with sleep and restlessness

🌿 Digestive regulation (hello gut-brain connection!)

🌿 Better sensory integration and body awareness

For kids, we often use non-needle techniques like shonishin (Japanese paediatric acupuncture), acupressure, laser, or gentle tapping tools. Many kids find it calming and even fun once they get used to the rhythm of it. 💛

🔬 What Does the Research Say About Acupuncture for ADHD & Autism?

Emerging research is promising — acupuncture has been shown to:

📌 Regulate neurotransmitters (like dopamine and serotonin)

📌 Improve blood flow to the prefrontal cortex (supporting executive function)

📌 Activate the parasympathetic nervous system (our “rest and digest” mode)

For example, a 2023 meta-analysis and systematic review explored acupuncture in the treatment of ADHD, showing positive trends in hyperactivity-impulsiveness, learning difficulties, social responsiveness and anxiety reduction. Suggesting acupuncture may help reduce hyperactivity and improve attention — especially when combined with holistic care.

🧡 Supporting the Whole Family

Let’s be honest — neurodivergence doesn’t just affect the individual, it impacts the whole family dynamic. That’s why in clinic, I often support parents and siblings too — helping manage stress, sleep, and emotional regulation, so the whole family feels more connected and supported.

How do I know? Because I myself am neurodivergent (ADHD), raising my beautiful neurodivergent (ASD/ADHD) children!

This isn’t about changing who someone is. It’s about helping them feel more calm in their body, more connected to themselves, and better equipped to meet life’s daily demands.

And really, isn’t that what we all need sometimes?

Whether you or your child are navigating diagnosis, burnout, sensory challenges, or just want to explore a more nervous-system-friendly approach to wellbeing — acupuncture can be a beautiful addition to your care team.

With warmth,

Dr. Taralee Reynolds