Homoeopathic medicinal treatment of autism

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a brain cells disabling condition that leads to various abnormal symptoms in infants and children. Autism subjects need specific behavioural and therapeutic interventions. Homoeopathic therapy has been found effective in several neuro-developmental conditions and may have wide scope for autism. Methodology: Study has been done in 25 autistic children of identified behavioural pattern and homoeopathic treatment was instituted with a follow up of 18 months. ASD patients were divided into two groups according to the number of symptoms and severity of diseases i.e. Severe Symptoms and Moderate Symptoms groups. Homoeopathic medicines were given to the subjects according to the severity of symptoms, physical conditions of subjects based on classical and non-classical approach. Improvement in symptoms was monitored on a weekly basis. Physio-clinical measurements and psychological assessments were made before and after homoeopathic medicinal treatment. The results have been evaluated through CARS & IQ/SQ analysis. Observations: Clinical study found 60% (n=6) improvement in autistic symptoms by classical method of homoeopathic treatment where as non-classical showed 38% (n=3) improvement. However in the remaining 9 participants, 3 showed mild improvement 33% (3/9) with multi-drug Homoeopathic therapeutic regimen. Frequent repetition in some severe conditions was found effective. Conclusion: Significant positive and curative responses with homoeopathic medicines in subjects of ASD was found, suggesting that homoeopathic medicines can provide cure for abnormal behavioural problems in ASD children.