Homoeopathy and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Holistic Approach to Symptom Management
Keywords:
Autism, ASD, Homoeopathy, Developmental disordersAbstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by a deficit in social behaviours and nonverbal interactions, such as reduced eye contact, facial expression, and body gestures, in the first 3 years of life. It is not a single disorder, but rather a multi-factorial condition resulting from the interaction of genetic and non-genetic risk factors. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a multifaceted condition requiring early, comprehensive, and sustained intervention. While conventional approaches emphasise behaviour modification and pharmacotherapy for associated symptoms, homoeopathy offers a promising complementary role with individualised remedies addressing the child’s mental, emotional, and physical constitution. Future research should focus on integrating evidence-based alternative therapies with conventional modalities to improve the quality of life for individuals affected and their families.
Downloads
References
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). 5th ed. Arlington (VA): American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013.
Maenner MJ, Shaw KA, Bakian AV, Goutam S, Cogswell ME, Durkin MS, et al. Prevalence and characteristics of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 sites, United States, 2020. MMWR Surveillance Summaries. 2023 Mar;72(SS2):1–23.
Gourie-Devi M. Epidemiology of neurological disorders in India: Review of background, prevalence and incidence of epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson's disease and tremors. Neurology India. 2014 Nov–Dec;62(6):588–598. https://doi.org/10.4103/0028-3886.149365
Zeidan J, Fombonne E, Scorah J, Ibrahim A, Durkin M, et al. Global prevalence of autism: A systematic review update. Autism Research. 2022 May;15(5):778–790.
Causes of autism [Internet]. In: Wikipedia. 2025 Jul 19 [cited 2025 Jul 19]. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causes_of_autism
Ronald A, Hoekstra RA. Probandwise concordance rates for monozygotic twins with autism spectrum disorder range from 65% to 90%. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Year not specified. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Persico AM, Napolioni V. Genetic and environmental factors in autism spectrum disorders: From research to intervention. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(1):121.
Xu G, Jing J, Bowers K, Liu B, Bao W. Maternal diabetes and the risk of autism spectrum disorders in the offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2014 Apr;44(4):766–775. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1928-2
Courchesne E, Pierce K, Schumann CM, et al. Mapping early brain development in autism. Neuron. 2007;56(2):399–413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2007.10.015
Zhang Y, Zhang L, Zhang Y, et al. Gut microbiota and autism spectrum disorder: From pathogenesis to potential therapeutic perspectives. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2023;17:10037072. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.10037072
Autism spectrum disorder. The Lancet. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31129-2
Rice SA, Bigler ED, Cleavinger HB, Tate DF, Sayer J, McMahon W, Ozonoff S, Lu J, Lainhart JE. Macrocephaly, corpus callosum morphology, and autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2005;35(2):211–223. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-004-2001-6
Savatt JM, Liu T, Young B, et al. Genetic testing in neurodevelopmental disorders: Chromosomal microarray, Fragile X, and exome sequencing.Genetics in Medicine. 2021;23(2):249–258. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41436-020-01068-4
Aetna Inc. Clinical Policy Bulletin: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Laboratory Evaluation. Updated 2023.
Yu Q, Vogel AC, Evans J, et al. Efficacy of interventions based on applied behaviour analysis for children with ASD: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology. 2020;11:563554. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.563554
Fieiras C. Risperidone and aripiprazole for autism spectrum disorder: Reduction in irritability with metabolic and neurological adverse events. BMJ Paediatrics Open. 2023;7:e001504. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2023-001504
Ooi A, Mazurek MO, Mahajan R, et al. Melatonin in autism spectrum disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Developmental Medicine& Child Neurology. 2011;53(9):783–792.
Marí-Bauset S, Zazpe I, Marí-Sanchis A, et al. Gluten- and casein-free diets in autism spectrum disorder: Limited evidence. Journal of Child Neurology. 2014;29(11):1411–1423. https://doi.org/10.1177/0883073814539532
Cheng WM, Smith TB, Butler M, Taylor TM, Clayton D. Effects of parent-implemented interventions on outcomes of children with autism: A meta-analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2022;53(11):4147–4163. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05688-8
Boericke W. Boericke’s New Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd.; 2007.
Foubister DM. Carcinosin as a Constitutional Remedy. London: The Homoeopathic Publishing Co.; 1967.
Vithoulkas G. Essence of Materia Medica (Lecture Notes). Zurich: School for Classical Homoeopathy; 2022 Oct.
Kent JT. Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers; 1989.
