Objectives The purpose of this study is to provide evidence of pathogenesis, pattern differentiation, treatment principle, formula of traditional Chinese medicine for autism spectrum disorder by reviewing journal articles published in China. Methods We searched literatures dated up to 8 January, 2018 in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and evaluated pathogenesis, pattern differentiation, treatment principle, formula of traditional Chinese medicine for autism spectrum disorder. Results Thirty four studies were selected for analysis. These studies included pathogenesis, pattern differentiation, treatment principle, formula of traditional Chinese medicine for autism spectrum disorder. The most common pattern differentiations were the pattern of kidney essence depletion, pattern of phlegm confounding the orifices of the heart, pattern of dual vacuity of the heart and spleen, pattern of effulgent heart-liver fire, pattern of liver failing to course freely. The most common treatment principles were supplementing the kidney, transquilizing, fortifying the spleen, transforming phlegm, opening the orifices, and calming the liver. The most commonly-used formulas were Yukmijihwangtang (六味地黃湯), Modified Ondamtang (加味溫膽湯), Guibitang (歸脾湯), Yangsimtang (養心湯), Jwaguihwan (左歸丸), Cheonmagudeungeum (天麻鉤藤飮), and Danchisoyosan (丹梔逍遙散). Conclusions This study shows the latest trend of pathogenesis, pattern differentiation, treatment principle, formula of traditional Chinese medicine for autism spectrum disorder. Further study is needed to solidify these findings.