Every year April 2nd is celebrated as World Autism Day to spread awareness for it. Autism, formally called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting, development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. It therefore affects how people perceive and interact with the world. It's a spectrum condition, meaning symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

Autism is one of five disorders that fall under the umbrella of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development.”

Key aspects of ASD:

  • Social communication and interaction challenges: People with ASD may struggle with social cues, nonverbal communication, making friends, or initiating conversations.
  • Restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests: This could involve repetitive movements (stimming), fixated interests on specific topics, or a need for routines.
  • Sensory sensitivities: People with ASD may be oversensitive or under-sensitive to sights, sounds, touches, tastes, or smells.
  • Learning differences: Some individuals with ASD may have intellectual disabilities, while others may have exceptional abilities in specific areas.
  • Spectrum means variation: ASD affects everyone differently. There's no single profile, and people with ASD can have a wide range of strengths and challenges.


Causes and Risk Factors:

The exact causes of ASD are still being researched, but it's believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There's no single cause, and risk factors include:
  • Family history: Having a close relative with ASD increases the risk.
  • Genetic factors: Certain genes are linked to an increased risk of ASD.
  • Prenatal factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors during pregnancy may play a role.

Diagnosis:

There's no single test for ASD. Diagnosis is typically based on a comprehensive evaluation by a team of specialists, considering developmental history, current behavior, and observations. It's recommended that all children should be screened for developmental delays and specifically for autism, beginning at their 9 months. Diagnosing ASD typically involves a comprehensive assessment involving several steps:

Initial Screening: Healthcare professionals often conduct developmental screenings which can help identify any potential developmental delays or concerns, including signs of autism.

Comprehensive Case taking and Evaluation: If a child displays symptoms or if there are concerns raised during the screening, a more thorough evaluation is typically conducted. This evaluation may involve:
  • Medical History: Gathering information about the child's developmental milestones, behavior, and any other relevant medical history.
  • Observation: Healthcare professionals observe the child's behavior and interaction with others to identify any potential signs of autism.
  • Parental Interviews: Parents or caregivers are interviewed about their child's behavior, development, and any concerns they may have.
  • Standardized Tests: Various tests and assessments may be used to evaluate the child's language abilities, social skills, and behavior.
  • Developmental Assessments: These assessments evaluate the child's developmental progress in areas such as communication, social interaction, and behavior.
Diagnostic Criteria: The evaluation process typically follows the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). To receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, the child must meet specific criteria related to social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: In many cases, diagnosing autism involves collaboration among professionals from different disciplines, such as pediatricians, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists.

Feedback and Recommendations: After the evaluation, healthcare professionals provide feedback to the parents or caregivers regarding the diagnosis and offer recommendations for interventions and support services.

It's important to note that the process may vary depending on the age of the individual being evaluated and the practices of the healthcare provider or diagnostic team. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.


Homeopathic Treatment and Support:

ASD is a lifelong developmental difference, however, with proper homeopathic treatment and support, people with ASD can lead fulfilling lives.

There's no cure for ASD in modern medicine, but there is sufficient scope in Homeopathy and support from various other therapies and approaches to help individuals manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Early intervention is crucial. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for people with ASD. There are lots of Homeopathic remedies which can be of great help, e.g. Carcinosinum, Medorrhinum, Natrum mur, Zincum met, Calc-phos, Agaricus, Helleborus, Bufo, Cuprum met, Baryta carb, Aethusa, Thuja, etc. 

Choosing the right medicine from these is definitely a herculean task and solely depends upon the totality of symptoms that the patient presents and should only be done by an expert in the field. Therefore, self-diagnosis and self-medication is never recommended. Visit your Homeopathic physician before taking any medicines. For online consultation book an appointment with our expert physicians.

Auxiliary support includes:
  • Applied behavior analysis (ABA): This therapy focuses on teaching new skills and reducing challenging behaviors.
  • Speech therapy: Helps improve communication skills.
  • Occupational therapy: Teaches daily living skills and sensory management.
  • Social skills training: Develops social interaction abilities.



References:

1. Homeopathic Medicine for Infants and Children by Dana Ullman, Penguin Putnam Inc, New York, 1992
2. The Homeopathic Treatment of Children- Pediatric Constitutional Types by Paul Herscu, Penguin Random House, 2011
5. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html 



Disclaimer: The author disclaims all liability for any loss or risk, personal or otherwise incurred as a consequence of use of any material in this article. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.