Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are simple terms for a set of complex brain development disorders. These disorders are manifested, in varying degrees, with symptoms like lack of ability to comprehend normal social interactions, disabled verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behavior.

ASD also inlcudes childhood disintegrative disorders, Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorders. A person suffering from autism might display impaired intellectual abilities, improper motor coordination and attention, in addition to several physical symptoms like gastrointestinal disorders and sleep disturbances.

Causes for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism originates in the early developmental stage of the brain. This disorder is generally noticed in early childhood, mostly between 2 – 3 years of age. The precise cause of Autism still remains unknown. Yet various recent researches suggest Autism to be caused due to several environmental factors coupled with a rare gene mutation, affecting early brain development. These environmental factors could be internal like malnourishment of the mother (notably lack of Folic acid) during pregnancy or oxygen deprivation of the foetus during birth. Weak immune system is also said to play a major role in onset of the disorder. These factors coupled with genetic risks, predisposes an individual for Autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms

Each child suffering from Autism is unique, with his/her unique symptoms and state. Thus to address the specific needs, an individual oriented intervention plan is required. Homeopathy with its individual specific approach treats the child with a holistic perspective keeping his behavior, physical symptoms, genetic predispositions, environmental abuse as pointers to the right prescription. A good homeopathic practitioner would first study the specific state and symptoms and prescribe suitable remedies.

The most commonly used homeopathic remedies for Autism are as follows:

Baryta Carbonica– It is mainly indicated in the cases of children displaying physical and marked mental weakness. The child has difficulty in paying attention as well as memorizing things. He has a sweet disposition with certain awkwardness and self consciousness. The symptoms hint towards poor mental development. Physical symptoms like frequent colic or swollen abdomen could also be present.

Bufo Rana– This remedy works by primarily influencing the nervous system. A child needing Bufo rana tends to display significant feeble mindedness. The child might exhibit anxiousness, restlessness, inclination to bite, sadness, impatience and nervousness. There could also exist object specific obsession or phobias coupled with inappropriate social responses e.g., laughing when others are upset or crying.

Calcarea Carbonica– This remedy basically addresses the calcium deficiency in the body. It tends to weak and slow growth of the body. Children requiring it generally have very cold hands and feet.Children often display recurrent ear, nose and throat infections. Rarely constipation is also present. The temperament of such children is irritability, insecurity and apprehensiveness.