Autism is a pervasive mental disorder appearing in the first three years of life characterized by markedly abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and communication and associated with stereotyped behavior, purposeless monotonous hyperactivity with lack of interest.
Dr. Samir Chaukkar, Consultant Homoeopath, based in Mumbai who has worked extensively in kids with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder, was in conversation with ETV Bharat Sukhibhava.
For homeopathic management, we need to appreciate the cases from the clinical perspective as well as from the homeopathic individualization perspective.
When we study the symptomatology of Autism Spectrum Disorder we see various patterns:
- Predominant features pertaining to behavior like extreme restlessness, impulsiveness,
- Intense sensory disturbances, like oversensitivity to noise, touch, etc.
- Marked degree of regressive features like involuntary urine, stool, eating filth, low cognition, etc.
Also Read: Constipation, Bloating Linked To Behavioral Issues In Autistic Kids
A brief overview of the various states and the remedies involved:
1) Sensory pattern
- Impairment in receiving and processing of sensory input with intensity as well as qualified aspects–touch, sound, smell, vision, etc. These sensory inputs bring about marked aggravation. Parents report that the child startles from sudden sounds, closes ears, etc. This aspect is a hallmark of autism and is responsible for a variety of symptoms and states. Similarly, our Materia Medica and Repertory provide rich information on these aspects. Borax, Stramonium, Asarum, Theridion, Carcinosinum, Nux vomica, Opium, China, etc. can be thought of where a sensory pattern is predominant.
2) Kinetic state
- The majority of children belonging to Autism Spectrum Disorder present with a hyperactive state. They show marked impulsivity. Here we get two sub-types: One with aggression, destructiveness, and violence and the other group without aggression, drugs that come up are Tarantula, Stramonium, Tuberculinum, Medorrhinum Nux vomica, etc.
- When self-injurious behavior is pronounced Lyssinum, Stramonium, Tarentula, (Striking himself) Tub, Bell (Striking head on wall) can be thought of.
3) Regressive state
- For children presenting with poor sphincter control, leading to the involuntary evacuation of stool, and/or urine, quite often associated with a dull and passive state with lasciviousness, lustful behavior, the tendency to masturbation, genital rubbing, eating feces, dust, etc. we can consider drugs like Hyoscyamus, Bufo, Baryta carbonica etc.
How Homoeopathy helps in Autism:
- Homeopathic medicines do not merely act on any one particular organ of an individual but it has much more deep and central action on psycho-neuro- endocrinological and psycho-immunological axis. Thus it plays a distinct role in reducing or eliminating autistic features
- In autism, we come across impaired sensory defenses giving rise to severe disturbances of sensitivity. For example, Some children show a marked degree of hypersensitivity to noise, light, touch, intense inclination for hugging and touching things while others would be extremely averse to hugging and cuddling. Homeopathy works well to correct this accentuated state of sensitivity bringing about good moderation.
- Homeopathic medicines help improve fine motor skills, perceptual difficulties, enable behavior modification. These tiny pills work wonderfully to improve hyperactivity, temper tantrums, self-injurious behavior, or destructive behavior.
- A synergistic effort of a team of doctors, psychologists, educators, therapists, and parent is a must in dealing with a spectrum of autism in its entire range and depth. Each discipline has its own distinct role to play.
- When a child starts responding to homeopathic medication improvement is seen first at a general level. The child starts getting calmer, improvement is seen in sleep, appetite, and general health.
- Next is improvement in behavior, reduction in hyperactivity, restlessness, tantrums, violence, etc. Improvement in eye contact and ability to respond. Further, we see a change in communication skills. The child starts indicating and subsequently starts developing the ability to speak words, echolalia (repetition of words said by someone) improves too. Such characters and Obsessive behavior take a long to improve. The child starts showing improved general resistance. This is because homeopathic medicines act as immuno-modulators.
- Best results are seen when we start the treatment at the earliest i.e. as soon as possible when the symptoms or signs are observed. Improvement also depends upon the degree of autism i.e. mild, moderate, severe. Other associated conditions like epilepsy, genetic disorders, etc. also influence the outcome.
For your queries, contact drsamirchaukkar@gmail.com
