Autism is a developmental disorder that typically appears in early childhood, usually within the first three years of life. It affects a child’s ability to communicate and interact socially and often involves restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviors that can vary widely in severity. This spectrum of severity ranges from severe cases to milder forms, such as Asperger syndrome. The exact cause of autism is still unknown.
In the first two years of life, autism can be challenging to diagnose. Parents are often the first to notice signs, which may be subtle at this stage. These early signs might include a lack of responsiveness, which can cause concern. In some cases, a child who appeared to be developing normally might suddenly withdraw from social interactions, stop responding to others, and lose the small amount of speech they had developed. These changes often prompt parents to seek an evaluation for autism.
By the age of three, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can usually be clearly diagnosed. Children with ASD often do not follow the typical developmental patterns seen in other children their age. They may have difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and may display repetitive behaviors or become fixated on specific objects, such as always carrying a stick, pencil, or soap suds. Other behaviors can include rocking, spinning, excessively lining up objects, and exhibiting hyperactivity or difficulty understanding emotions.
The term “autism spectrum disorder” is used to emphasize the wide range of symptoms and their varying levels of severity. Some key signs that may help parents identify this condition include a lack of babbling or meaningful gestures (like smiling socially or pointing to objects) by 18 months of age, not speaking a single word by the age of two, poor or no eye contact, and seeming not to hear when called. The child’s “not in tune” behavior, or seeming disconnection from their surroundings, is often a distinguishing feature, though it may not always be obvious to those unfamiliar with the condition.
Homeopathy has gained popularity as a treatment option for autism in children around the world. Clinical experience suggests that the results are more favorable when treatment begins at an earlier age, although some older children, around six or seven, can also show significant improvement. However, starting homeopathic treatment before extensive behavioral and emotional issues develop can be particularly beneficial. It’s important to note that homeopathy’s effectiveness can vary; while some children respond very well, others may not see much benefit. To monitor progress, children undergoing homeopathic treatment should be regularly assessed using an autism rating scale. Homeopathy takes a holistic approach, considering the child’s overall physical and mental makeup, along with the specifics of their condition, to guide treatment.
Certain homeopathic remedies, such as Carcinocin, Thuja, and Secretin, have shown effectiveness in treating autism. Carcinocin, in particular, has been noted for its role in autism treatment, but it is not suitable for every child. The choice of remedy must align with the child’s overall constitutional profile and specific symptoms.