Challenges faced in homoeopathic treatment in autism – A case series

Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most puzzling and complex of the neurodevelopmental disorders, especially regarding its diagnosis and management. The objective of this study was to achieve an in-depth understanding of the various challenges faced by a homoeopath and how homoeopathy is to be used conjointly with other ancillary measures in managing ASD. The case series highlights these and presents an integrated understanding of various concepts required by a homoeopath in effectively managing children with ASD. Materials and Methods: Detailed histories of the two cases were taken from the caregivers. Both patients were also observed in their day-to-day functioning, at school and during therapies. This further contributed to the early detection and diagnosis, planning appropriate management strategies, assessing the action of the selected remedy and deriving inferences. Homoeopathic treatment was used along with the required ancillary measures. Results: The challenges in managing the cases were mainly with respect to formulating a diagnosis, understanding the importance of disease evolution, differentiating between the common and the characteristic symptoms of the disease, application of homoeopathic principles and arriving at a similimum. On reflection, it showed the value of using the bio-psychosocial model to highlight the relationships among the different forces, determine the evolution in individual cases and emphasise the need for holistic intervention. The importance of a sound knowledge of the principles of homoeopathy and their correct application to arrive at a similimum was also learnt through reviewing the results of intervention. Further, the results showed that homoeopathy along with ancillary measures helped to bring about a significant change in functioning on all fronts and a better adaptation of the children to their environments. Conclusion: Homoeopathic intervention in children with autism holds a promise. Integration with ancillary measures enhances the outcome. Homoeopaths would need to train themselves in applying the bio-psychosocial model and integrating it with homoeopathic principles to ensure a favourable outcome. The findings of this study can provide important leads for professionals involved in the care of children with ASD and the affected families.