Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder for which effective pharmacological treatments for core symptoms remain limited. As a result, many families seek complementary and integrative healthcare approaches. In South Korea, Korean medicine (KM), including acupuncture and herbal medicine, is incorporated into the national healthcare system. However, little is known about how KM is utilized by children with ASD in real-world clinical settings. This study examined longitudinal patterns of KM use among children with ASD using nationwide insurance claims data.
METHODS: A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using claims data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Children aged 1-13 years newly diagnosed with ASD between 2012 and 2017 were included and followed for up to 5 years. Participants were categorized according to whether they used KM services during follow-up. Patterns of KM utilization, including associated diagnoses, therapeutic interventions, and herbal prescriptions, were analyzed descriptively together with healthcare utilization trends over time.
RESULTS: Approximately one-quarter of children diagnosed with ASD received KM care during follow-up. The median interval from ASD diagnosis to first KM use was 435 days, and most KM users initiated treatment within the first 2 years after diagnosis. In the early follow-up period, KM visits were primarily related to ASD management, whereas later utilization increasingly involved gastrointestinal, respiratory, and musculoskeletal conditions. Frequently used KM interventions included acupuncture, KM physical therapy, cupping, and moxibustion. Commonly prescribed herbal formulas included Socheongryong-tang, Hyangsapyeongwi-san, and Pyeongwi-san.
CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide cohort study demonstrates substantial utilization of KM among children with ASD within South Korea’s dual healthcare system. The findings provide important real-world evidence regarding integrative care patterns and may inform future research evaluating the effectiveness and safety of KM interventions for children with ASD.