(This article first appeared in the June 2008 edition of Similia (Vol. 20 No.1), the Journal of the Australian Homeopathic Association.

Since it was published, retrospective CDC data shows that the incidence of autism has only increased.

Today, in 2019, 1 in 59 US children has an autism diagnosis (1 in 37 boys, 1 in 151 girls) while 1 in 6 has a developmental disorder – a significant percentage being neurodevelopmental in nature.

The situation is no better in Canada where the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry has simultaneously released 8 papers drawn from a 2014 health study that showed 1 in 5  Canadian children had a mental health disorder.

These concerning trends are reflected in other countries, and, more concerning, the upward trajectory is expected to continue.)

Contents

1. Introduction: We Have a Problem
2. What is Autism
3. Common Signs and Symptoms
4. An Error of Thinking
5. Details on Dosing
6. Case 1: Alex (Male)
   • Story and Symptoms
   • Treatment
   • Parent Report
   • Recent Report
7. Case 2: Connor (Male)
   • Story and Symptoms
   • Analysis and Prescription
   • Parent Report
8. Case 3: Ben (Male)
   • Story and Symptoms
   • Initial Case Analysis and Treatment
   • Treatment Over Ensuing Months
   • Recent Treatment
   • Parent Report
9. Clinical Snapshots of Eight Other Cases
10. To Be Continued

Introduction: We Have a Problem

The world is in the grip of an epidemic. Autism Spectrum Disorders (A.S.D.s), have increased ten-fold or more over the last decade. A recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that up to one in a hundred American children now have ASD.¹ In past decades, the estimates had been four or five children per 10,000 . Figures from Great Britain show a similar increase. ²

Whilst a government database on the prevalence of autism does not yet exist in Australia, a recent peer-reviewed paper concluded from the data that was available that one in 100 Australians will be diagnosed with this disorder and that two out of three are currently under the age of 15.³ Between 2000 and 2005, the Victorian Education Department alone reported a 276 percent jump in students with an A.S.D.⁴ Boys are four times more likely to be affected than girls

From the first descriptive report of autism in 1943 by psychiatrist and physician Leo Kanner, the worldwide prevalence of this disorder has exploded. The reason is not yet known but viral infections, genetic factors, birth trauma, environmental toxins, and vaccines have all been suspected. Greater awareness and better diagnosis may be responsible for a small part of the increase but do not explain it all; they do not, for instance, explain why the majority of new cases have emerged from the 2 – 6 year age bracket. As autism is classified as a lifelong condition, better recognition of already existing cases should have led to a similar increase in the number of diagnoses among adults, but this has not happened. Obviously, the answer lies elsewhere.

What is Autism?

When people talk about autism, they are generally referring to one of several neurological disorders that significantly impair the way a person communicates, interacts socially, thinks, or behaves. These disorders are normally grouped under the umbrella term of Autism Spectrum Disorders (A.S.D.s) and include:

• Autistic Disorder (also known as Infantile or Childhood autism);
• Aspergers Syndrome;
• Retts Syndrome;
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder; and
• Pervasive Developmental Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), which is also known as Atypical Autism.

Those with Autistic Disorder and an unaffected IQ may also be described as having High Functioning Autism (H.F.A.). Autism is considered by health authorities to be a life long disability of unknown aetiology and with no cure. ⁵

Common Signs and Symptoms

Diagnosis of an A.S.D. is based on a syndrome of symptoms relating to impaired social ability, communication skills, behaviours, and sensory or motor functions. These impairments may consist of:

• Flat or high-pitched speech;
• Repetition of words and phrases (echolalia);
• Difficulty in recognising and understanding another person’s feelings or perspective;
• Lack of eye contact;
• Reluctance to initiate or continue conversation;
• Preference for activities that require little verbal interaction;
• Difficulty in comprehension;
• Hyper or hyposensitivity to pain, light, sound, crowds, and other external stimuli;
• Repetitive behaviours and ritualised activities;
• Inflexible behaviour and difficulty in coping with change;
• Narrow bands of passionate interests or obsessions; and
• Awkwardness, or delayed development of fine and gross motor skills;

Because of these impairments, people with A.S.D.s often find the demands of everyday life overwhelming. They frequently experience anxiety, confusion, and frustration.

An Error of Thinking

The children coming to our clinics today are changing. No longer do they arrive with just tonsil, middle ear, or eczema problems; increasingly, they also come with an A.S.D. diagnosis. Because A.S.D.s are a relatively new phenomenon, and their symptoms deep and pervasive, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that these children must be difficult to treat; that great skill and expertise, a cutting edge methodology, and new, exotic remedies are needed. Fortunately, this is not so. As with most things in homeopathy, answers frequently lie among our polycrests and other commonly prescribed remedies. If prescribed according to similia – “like treats like” – and combined with sound case management, these well known remedies produce remarkable results for seemingly intractable conditions – even autism.

The 3 main cases presented in this article demonstrate treatment by such polycrests and are accompanied by parent reports. They were chosen from many examples, not because they are “rabbit out of the hat” cases but because they represent the range of outcomes that can be expected with homeopathic treatment. The first case displays good and consistent gains, the second shows rapid and dramatic improvement, while the third is of slow but steady progress. Several other “snapshot” cases have been included in this article to further illustrate the good work some of our better-known remedies do in the treatment of this disorder.

Details on Dosing

All patients in this article were dosed in either centesimal or fifty millesimal potencies according to dilution and repetition principles of the foundational text in homeopathy, the Organon, (6th Edition; aphorisms 245 –251; 272-283). My practice is to start in low potencies, especially with fifty-millesimals, as they have served me well. While I have not noticed superior benefits in beginning “high”, others may care to differ.

My method of treatment involves:

1. Giving the patient a test dose to gauge their sensitivity so that dose and repetition of the remedy can be adjusted to suit their needs. (Some patients have a heightened sensitivity to homeopathic remedies in general; others are hypersensitive to just few. As always, sensitivity is further increased by the degree of similarity that exists between their symptoms and those of the remedy [Aphorism 275, 276].)
2. My standard test dose consists of first dissolving a single pilule in a 20ml dropper bottle, 2/3rds filled with an alcohol (10%) – water (90%) solution. I instruct the patient to succuss the bottle 5 times, place 5 drops into a quarter of a cup of water, and then take a single teaspoon dose from this cup. They are then instructed to phone me three days later to report any changes due to the remedy so that suitable follow-up dosing can be prescribed. (Others may use different dilution and succussion factors, and indeed mine differ from Hahnemann’s suggestions in the Organon. He advised that a pilule be dissolved in 8 to 40 tablespoons of water, succussed eight to twelve times and that a tablespoon amount placed in a glass containing another 8 – 12 tablespoons of water. Finally, a teaspoon or more was to be administered to the patient. For the sake of convenience, I have reduced these amounts proportionally, as far as possible, to a 20 ml bottle; there does not seem to be any difference in how the patient responds to the remedy, but I do produce less aggravations if the bottle is succussed 5 rather than the 8-12 times Hahnemann recommended.)
3. For those who respond to the test dose with improvement, the remedy is repeated according to the interval of that improvement. If the improvement, even of a single symptom, lasts 24 hours, I prescribe a daily dose; if improvement continues for 8 days, I prescribe a weekly dose. (The majority of my patients – approximately 70% – require a two or three times a week dose. The remainder need either a daily dose or, if improvement is long-lasting, only as needed; these latter patients will aggravate easily if dosed in a routine manner.)
4. For those who are hypersensitive and experience an aggravation on the test dose, I increase the dilution ratio, reduce the number of succussions prior to the dose, and repeat the dose at a frequency that produces improvement without aggravation.
5. For those who are hyposensitive, experiencing nothing with the test dose (a minority), I reduce the dilution ratio, increase the number of succussions before each dose, and repeate the dose at a frequency that produces improvement without aggravation.
6. While this posology (science of dosage) is marginally more time-consuming than old dry-dose methodology, the benefits for our patients can be significant. Not only is the remedy individualised to their symptoms (as we would expect with homeopathy), but the dose is also individualised to their response. This results in a faster improvement with fewer aggravations and moves us closer to the Organon ideals of rapid, gentle, and permanent healing (Aphorisms 2 & 246). It may also lead to curability in complaints that would otherwise be incurable.*

* (The statistics of Dr A. U. Ramakrishnan, a specialist in the homeopathic treatment of cancer, showed significant improvements in his rates of cure when he replaced dry dose methods with “plussing” (the succussion of a liquid remedy before each dose to raise its potency slightly so it can be given more frequently without aggravation – something that is impossible to with fixed potency dry doses). While Ramakrishnan did not individualise his approach but applied routine repetition to all patients, the results showed that the principles of liquid remedies, frequent repetitions, and succussion prior to each dose substantially increased the rate of cure across all cancers.
Dr A. U. Ramakrishnan & C. R. Coulter. 2001. A Homeopathic Approach to Cancer. Ninth House Publishing: Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.

My practice involves educating people as much as possible about homeopathy when they choose to use it for their health care. This frequently leads to greater patient independence – something I encourage. Alex’s mother (from the first case) is now quite knowledgeable about homeopathic management. Whilst all her son’s prescriptions commenced with set repetitions following the test dose, she eventually knew enough of the “how and when” of dosing to reduce the frequency herself at times of significant improvement or to give the remedy on an “as needed” basis only; something I was happy for her to do. She had learnt about aggravations – both similar and dissimiliar – and would temporarily stop the remedy if existing symptoms intensified (a similar aggravation), giving it less frequently on restarting. She also knew to stop the remedy completely and contact me when new and different symptoms emerged (a dissimilar aggravation), as a different remedy was probably needed. All of this is reflected in Alex’s case.

In contrast, Connor’s mother (from the second case) is still learning about homeopathy; it was easy for her to fall into the trap of thinking that if a little helped, then more would do better. His case tells the story. Finally, Ben’s mother (from the third case), while interested in homeopathy, would prefer to most of the management to me. For this reason, his course of treatment has been the easiest to explain.

Case 1: Alex (male)

– 3 years 4 months of age at the time of his first consultation.

Story and Symptoms

By the time Alex had turned 2 years of age, his parents were very concerned about his development. He had several classic features of autism. He had been losing language – words and phrases – since 18 months of age and could now only say the one repetitive phrase of, “Bye, see ya”. Previously a good eater, he had regressed to only wanting bread, milk, cheese and pasta and could no longer use a fork or spoon. His fine and gross motor skills were delayed, he avoided eye contact, and he constantly ran away from his parents. Alex had no appropriate play with either toys or people, did not want to be touched or cuddled, and would walk on tip-toes and in constant circles. He also suffered from frequent respiratory tract infections, daily diarrhoea, and slow healing of insect bites and wounds.

Alex’s mother had adopted a biomedical approach (the use of diets, supplements, and drugs to correct the imbalances in the biochemistry of the body that underpin symptoms of autism) since he’d been two years of age, and had sought chiropractic and cranio-sacral treatments. The biomedical interventions meant that Alex no longer ate foods containing gluten, casein, phenol, oxalate, sulphite, salicylate, soy, or corn – all potential irritants to a child with autism. Remaining foods were free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Alex only drank filtered water. Under the guidance of a biomedical doctor, Alex was given numerous and changing supplements such as zinc, magnesium, multi-vitamins and minerals, methyl vitamin B 12 injections, coenzyme Q10, cod liver oil, and taurine, as indicated by his behaviours and pathology tests. Alex’s mother reported that there had been some improvement with these interventions.

Alex’s presenting symptoms at his first consultation included:

• Limited language (his mother reported that his speech had improved with biomedical interventions but was still not age-appropriate. Alex could now name objects and was using some two-and three-word phrases).
• Difficulty with change and transition;
• Being overly distressed when anxious or fearful;
• Screaming if things not done his way;
• Screaming – when reacting to food – if looked at, touched, or questioned;
• Shaking of body when excited;
• Visual and vocal “stims” (“stims” and “stimming” are colloquialisms for self stimulation. A stim is a repetitive behaviour that either stimulates, calms, or aids concentration. Alex’s visual stims – looking out of the corner of his eyes, and at light patterns through his moving fingers – though lessening with the biomedical interventions, were still present.)
• Echolalia – the meaningless repetition of words and phrases;
• Narrow band of precocious intelligence – knew all alphabet letters and numbers; and
• Obsessed with a children’s band, the Wiggles (if he were permitted he would obsessively watch their DVDs).

All of the above are common symptoms of autism and not especially helpful for a homeopathic prescription. As always, the idiosyncratic symptoms of the sufferer are the best guide to the needed remedy, and, in this respect, Alex was no different. His more individualising symptoms were:

• Loved having his face caressed;
• Head and scalp sensitive to touch, being washed, brushed, or having hair cut;
• Aversion to being dirty, especially hands – would not touch things such as play-dough;
• Fear of dogs, insects, and spiders;
• Laughing in sleep;
• Food cravings for milk, cheese, bread, and pasta before dietary modifications (these foods had been removed from his diet at the time of consultation but were still included in his case analysis as they were true symptoms of the imbalance);
• Current food craving: tomatoes; and
• Food aggravation: milk, which caused diarrhoea.

Physical symptoms included:

• Rash/eczema on the right side of his face;
• Daily mustard-yellow diarrhoea which had been very offensive before his dietary modifications and supplements;
• Slowness of wounds to heal;
• Overreaction (prolonged swelling and inflammation) to bites and stings; and
• Yearly conjunctivitis, always following a respiratory tract infection.

Treatment

First prescription: Calcarea carbonica and Sulphur both rated highly on repertorisation and covered Alex’s symptom complex well. Sulphur was chosen because Alex avoided dirty or contaminating things and wanted his hands washed frequently. The fact that he separated easily from his parents (he would run away from them) and was not clinging or under-confident as would be expected with a Calcarea carbonica child also supported a Sulphur prescription. Sulphur was given in a liquid 30C potency. Following a test dose to assess his sensitivity to the remedy, it was prescribed three times a week.

Two weeks later: Alex’s mother reported a “huge jump” in the language he was using. His comprehension was “much better”, and he was coping better with change. His fine and gross motor skills had improved, and the facial eczema had almost disappeared. Sores were healing rapidly, scalp sensitivity was a thing of the past, and Alex was now happy on waking each morning. Alex’s therapist had also commented to his mother on his “big” improvement. Treatment with Sulphur 30C was continued at a frequency of 3 times a week.

Seven weeks after commencement of treatment: Alex’s previous improvements had continued. He had returned to having an afternoon sleep and was now sleeping well at night. His language was more complex and conversational. There were no obvious autistic behaviours, and Alex’s mother stated he was “just behind.” Bowel motions were still runny. At about this time, Alex developed conjunctivitis (yellow discharge) and became weepy, affectionate, and dependent on his mother. A prescription of Pulsatilla rapidly dealt with these acute symptoms. (From Alex’s history of yearly conjunctivitis with respiratory tract infections, it would seem that Pulsatilla may have been a remedy needed in the past, especially when its acute relationship with Sulphur is considered.) Once the acute phase had passed, chronic treatment resumed with Sulphur 0/2 being given approximately every 4 days at the discretion of his mother, who was now familiar with the “when and how” of re-dosing.

Not long after this, Alex’s behaviour and mood deteriorated in spite of Sulphur still being indicated. His mother decided to reduce some of his biomedical supplements and chelating agents. An immediate improvement took place. This is something I have seen in several children on biomedical treatment and something for practitioners to be aware of. It would seem that large doses of once helpful supplements and chemical medicines have an aggravating affect once homeopathy has moved the child to a better state of health. This phenomenon can easily be mistaken as an aggravation from the remedy, or cause the practitioner to think the remedy is no longer suitable.

Eighteen weeks after commencement of treatment: Prior to this appointment, Alex had developed a mix of old and new symptoms. While many improvements had been maintained, his stools, which had firmed, were again loose. Some visual stimming had returned and he was now jumping on the spot with boredom, stress, or excitement. He was also singing to excess. Significantly, Alex wanted to be carried everywhere by his parents and had developed a fear of the dark: he would wake frequently at night to turn the light on. With this new combination of symptoms, Stramonium 0/2 was prescribed, dosing to take place as indicated by his symptoms, and at the discretion of his mother.

Twenty-six weeks after commencement of treatment: Alex’s mother reported that her son’s clinginess and fear of dark had resolved within a week of starting the remedy. She had given him 3 doses over that period, and intermittently since then. His jumping had also reduced, and his stimming had stopped. There was a dramatic improvement in expressive language, an increase in imaginative play, and greater independence in daily living activities. At the same time, however, Alex’s fear of dogs had increased and the back of his neck and head were sweating during sleep. On this basis, Alex was prescribed Calcarea carbonica 30C, dosing to take place as indicated by his symptoms.

Thirty-six weeks after commencement of treatment: Again, Alex’s mother reported that the new symptoms had resolved rapidly with the change in prescription and a weekly dose of the Calcarea carbonica. Alex was now displaying increased confidence. He had started pre-school – which he loved – and was separating well from his mother when she took him there. Two important milestones had been achieved – toilet training and riding a two-wheeler bike. Alex was no longer considered autistic. I provided Alex’s mother with a different potency of Calcarea carbonica to use if needed before the next consultation.

Most recent consultation, 1 year 5 months after treatment commenced: Alex is now 4 ¾ years old and progressing well. Whilst he is no longer considered autistic, his mother has continued with regular homeopathic appointments to deal with any emerging health concerns or imbalances. At a recent consultation, his prescription was changed to Lycopodium clavatum 6C for constant eczema around his mouth; bed-wetting; whinging, clinging and demanding behaviour; lack of confidence; and performance anxiety – the latter being especially evident at his soccer matches. His mother reports that all these symptoms significantly improved with the remedy – a dose had been given 3 times a week.

Throughout treatment, Alex’s mother has continued his dietary modifications and biomedical treatments in an effort to optimise his health. From a homeopathic perspective, this has been as much a hindrance as help, a point to be discussed in Part 2 of this article. Alex’s mother, who is involved with several autism groups, states that dietary modifications and homeopathic treatment are the two things that consistently make the biggest improvements for Alex and other children with autism. In the meantime, that well-known homeopathic triad of Sulphur, Calcarea carbonica, and Lycopodium seems to be meeting Alex’s needs. It will be interesting to see what future treatment holds.

Parent Report: Alex

A Recent Report

Case 2: Connor (male)

– 4 years 9 months of age at the time of his first consultation

Story and Symptoms

Connor was red-haired, blue-eyed, freckled, and tall for his age. His mother contacted me after reading on the Internet that homeopathy could help with his autism. Connor had learning difficulties and was receiving speech therapy for delayed language. He could not understand abstract concepts such as “over” and “under,” would refer to himself inappropriately as “Connor” rather than “me” or “I,” and repeated words and phrases meaninglessly (echolalia). Many sounds were also absent from his speech. While Connor could not yet count to five, he displayed savant abilities with computers and would play with them endlessly.

Connor’s mother said he failed to make eye contact and never asked or answered questions. He was hyperactive, would run in circles and jump or spin on the spot incessantly. In recent times he had started to wave and flap his hands. Connor preferred to be by himself and had a reduced sensitivity to pain: he did not respond as expected to accidents such as cuts and falls. As in Case 1, many of these symptoms are common to autism and not particularly helpful for making a prescription – more individualising symptoms were needed.

Connor was described as a child who was cuddly but independent: he could separate easily from his mother if she had to leave him somewhere. His preferred to lie on his left side at night but his sleep was poor and erratic. He frequently came into his parent’s bed, and he was still frightened by shadows and darkness. Connor was stubborn and obstinate, would bite his fingernails, and adored animals. He would often detach from what was happening around him and enter a dream-like state.

Recently, Connor had lost interest in food; his mother said she now had to force him to eat. Prior to this he had loved sweets, chocolate, apples, fish, bread, milk, and eggs. He had always disliked vegetables.

Connor’s physical symptoms included:

• “rabbit-pellet” constipation;
• an itchy anus that he frequently scratched in spite of being wormed;
• frequent eructations;
• enlarged tonsils (and possibly adenoids); with night-time snoring;
• a constant, long-term discharge from his nose that was often fluorescent green.

Connor’s relevant medical history consisted of:

1. A middle ear infection at two weeks of age, treated by antibiotics;
2. Mild eczema suppressed by a steroid cream at four months of age;
3. Two separate vaccinations of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. (For some inexplicable reason one had been given as part of treatment when Connor caught wild measles at nine months of age. The second was given at 15 months of age as part of the recommended vaccine schedule);
4. Frequent episodes of left-sided conjunctivitis that produced a green discharge, the onset of which occurred with the second MMR vaccine.

Connor’s mother suspected that the multiple MMR vaccines had caused her son’s problems. At the commencement of homeopathic treatment, Connor was not on any dietary restrictions and had not received biomedical treatment. While his mother had taken him to a cranio-sacral therapist for 4 weeks, she had not yet noted any improvement.

Analysis and Prescription

Repertorisation of Connor’s symptoms suggested that any one of seven remedies might have suited him. As always, reference to the material medica guided the final prescription. While many symptoms were common to all seven remedies, significant and individualising symptoms such as pebble-like stools, love of animals, and desire for apples predominated in Sulphur. Its prescription was further supported by Connor’s appearance (tall with red hair and freckles) and his history of previous health complaints suppressed by antibiotics and cortisone. His interesting symptom of intermittent, fluorescent-green nasal discharge was not represented in any of the remedies and so was put to one side, waiting to see what impact a Sulphur prescription would have.

I prescribed Connor a single test dose of Sulphur 6C in liquid form. Three days later, his mother phoned to say he was talking more and had been interacting with others. Based on this report, Connor was commenced on a dose 3 times a week. At his first follow-up appointment, one month later, Connor’s mother recounted the following improvements:

• Much more talkative;
• Nose no longer discharging (in spite of its not being a Sulphur symptom);
• No snoring;
• No burping;
• Only occasional episodes of constipation;
• Improved appetite and increased interest in a greater range of food;
• Able to count to 5;
• Less restless: no longer jumping, spinning, or running in circles;
• Less day-dreaming;
• Improved sleep – was sometimes spending the whole night in his own bed.

Connor’s prescription was changed to Sulphur 12C to ensure he still had a therapeutically active potency by the time of his next consultation. Whilst Sulphur 6C might have been adequate I did not want to run the risk of it failing to go the distance. His mother was instructed to give this potency 3 times a week until I next saw Connor and to phone me if she had any concerns.

At the next follow-up appointment, eight weeks after the commencement of treatment, Connor’s mother described his improvements as “awesome” and said he was “a new child”. Connor was now talking to strangers as well as family members. He would look people in the eye and complain to his mother if they did not return his look. His sleep was generally sound, and only occasionally would he go to his parents’ bed. He no longer suffered from constipation, chewed his fingernails, burped excessively, or scratched his anus. Now, if upset, he would tell his parents why rather than becoming withdrawn and “glassy-eyed”. He was also interested in learning and could count to 10. His mother was no longer anxious about sending him to pre-school, as he coped well. (In the past, when he had become overwhelmed by all the activities and interaction his behaviour had deteriorated.) Previous improvements had been maintained.

Because there was now little to be treated in Connor, I advised his mother to give future doses only as needed rather than on a regular basis. I was concerned that a similar, or homeopathic, aggravation would occur if treatment continued at the same intensity when there had been such strong improvement (see aphorism 157). Connor’s mother, living some distance away, was also supplied with Sulphur 30C and instructions to use this potency before the next consultation if the 12C was no longer effective.

At Connor’s next and most recent appointment, 17 weeks after commencing treatment, his mother told me he was not doing as well. Upon receiving the Sulphur 30C she had given him a dose immediately on no particular indication. Over the next three days, he was irritable, whinging, and badly behaved. He gradually improved during the following week. His mother had been alarmed by this experience and, without contacting me, had decided not to give another dose even though improvement was stalling with time. Now, 8 weeks later, some of his old symptoms had returned. I explained that Connor’s poor reaction to the remedy indicated that it had been given when not needed, and that as symptoms were now returning, it should be repeated at this time. Three days after doing this, I received a phone call from
Connor’s mother to say that he was once again improving. Treatment continues.

Parent Report: Connor

Case 3: Ben (male)

– 4 years 3 months of age at the time of his first consultation

Story and Symptoms

I have been treating Ben, a young boy with autism, for approximately 1½ years. I first saw him when he was medicated with Risperidone, an anti-psychotic prescribed for behavioural problems such as aggression, sudden mood changes and tantrums. Without his medication, Ben would fly into rages, bite, strike, and become completely unthinking. His mother, concerned about the side effects of the medication, had already tried to take him off it once without success. On hearing about homeopathy, she had made an appointment to see if it could help.

Ben’s symptoms, common to many sufferers of autism, consisted of anxiety, distress with change, avoidance of social interaction, and stims: he would repeatedly rock to and fro, place objects in lines, hit his head against a soft lounge, and track objects held in his hands as he moved them past his eyes. Ben was also non-verbal.

Ben’s individualising symptoms were:

• Cold hands and feet;
• Perspiration on head during sleep;
• Confused and in a daze for most of the day – especially up to 10am;
• Gentle, frequent weeping – “as if someone had broken his heart”;
• Flatulence +++;
• Straining with soft bowel motions;
• Very thirsty: frequent drinking of water;
• Food desires: biscuits, chocolate, and spagetti (pasta) with sauces;
• Slow recovery from frequent respiratory-tract infections;
• Frequent middle-ear infections;
• Large head for body size;
• Slightly delayed milestones for teething and walking.

His mother had made some early attempts at dietary changes, but Ben was so resistant they were suspended for fear he would starve. There had been no biomedical intervention.

Initial Case Analysis and Treatment

Ben’s symptoms at the time of consultation were incomplete, as the Risperidone had suppressed several of them. The Risperidone may also have distorted some of the remaining symptoms. It is possible that his dazed behaviour and confusion were nothing more than side effects of the medication, though these two symptoms continued to appear intermittently throughout later treatment. In spite of these difficulties, enough individualising symptoms remained to make a good prescription possible.

Calcarea carbonica was prescribed at this first consultation because:

1. Ben displayed classic Calcarea carbonica symptoms: a large head that sweated during sleep, sluggishness of the bowels, repeated colds and ear infections, and delayed milestones. His other less classic symptoms were also well-represented within Calcarea carbonica pathogenesis.

2. The symptoms of rage, biting, and aggression, suppressed by the Risperidone, sounded similar to those of a Belladonna state. Belladonna is a known complement of Calcarea carbonica, which further supported a Calcarea carbonica prescription.

A liquid test dose of Calcarea carbonica 30C was prescribed. His mother phoned 3 days later to report he had been much more affectionate in the days following the dose. On the strength of this response, Ben was commenced on a twice weekly dose. I anticipated that a future prescription of Belladonna might be needed as a complementary to the Calcarea carbonica if his aggression returned as the Risperidone was reduced.

Two weeks later, at Ben’s first follow-up appointment, his mother reported that he was:

• Less confused and more alert in the mornings;
• More affectionate and cuddly;
• Able to listen and follow instructions (his ability to do this would improve after each dose but deteriorate before the next dose);
• Joining in some family activities and was interacting more;
• No longer tracking objects in his hands, though other stims had continued;
• Not as cold in his hands and feet;
• Less flatulent;
• Not as thirsty;
• Still sweating on his head at night;
• Starting to strike his mother and sister.

These were significant changes in only 2 weeks. Because Ben’s ability to listen to instructions had deteriorated between doses of the remedy, I increased his Calcarea carbonica potency to 200C. (Another option would have been to just give more frequent doses of the 30C). I advised his mother to use his flagging ability to listen as a “trigger” symptom for when to repeat the remedy. This is something I generally do as standard practice once the parent has grasped the principles involved, so that the risk of aggravations from routine dosing can be avoided. I also provided Belladonna 30C to be used during episodes of violence or aggression. (Others might have preferred a higher potency, but as I was dealing with a child who could not communicate what was happening, I decided to reserve the higher potencies for if and when they were needed. As it was, the 30C managed his aggression well.)

Over the next couple of weeks, as the dosage of Risperidone was reduced and then suspended, Ben’s acute episodes of biting, pinching, striking, and anger were treated as needed with Belladonna. In-between, his chronic state was treated with the Calcarea carbonica 200C, one dose approximately every 3 days. His mother described this time as being very different from when she had last tried to stop the Risperidone: it was no where near as difficult.

Treatment Over Ensuing Months

Over ensuing months, Ben continued to improve slowly but steadily. He became an affectionate and happy little boy, no longer displaying episodes of anger and violence. His social skills improved, and he expressed more interested in playing with others than in being by himself. His head sweats disappeared, and his sweet cravings settled; his mother said he no longer “hunted down chocolate.” He was not overly thirsty; his bowel function normalised; and he became aware of the urge to go to the toilet.

Throughout this 17-month period, 80% of Ben’s treatment involved Calcarea carbonica prescribed in a variety of potencies, usually two to three times a week. Each change of potency led to further improvements. Brief and occasional intercurrent remedies were also used. They consisted of:

• Belladonna (as mentioned) during the early stages of treatment for episodes of rage, biting, striking, and pinching;
• Tarentula hispanica, given on two separate occasions for an increase in chewing “indigestibles” such as sand, bark, stones, and dirt (this symptom can be common in children with autism because of exaggerated oral-sensory needs); throwing things when upset; biting himself; and noisiness and restlessness exacerbated by music;
• Phosphorus, on two separate occasions when his “stimming” increased and he would “space out” in a dream-like state; and
• Lycopodium clavatum, given once when his symptoms changed to: being bossy and demanding at home with frequent tantrums, but well-behaved and compliant at school; loss of appetite; and an increase in obsessive compulsive behaviours – especially with stims. (It is interesting to note that Lycopodium is another complement of Calcarea carbonica and often follows it well).

Of course, there have also been a few “near miss” (euphemism for wrong remedy) prescriptions throughout treatment. Even in these events, a patient’s response to a poorly chosen remedy can guide future treatment. For example, when I prescribed a new potency of Calcarea carbonica to Ben in the absence of anything more suitable, he aggravated with clear Lycopodium symptoms (see above). While this phenomenon is discussed in the Organon in the context of accessory symptoms and one-sided diseases (Aphorisms 167,168; 179-184), the same principle and interpretation can be applied to an incorrect prescription. Homeopathy is very forgiving.

Recent Treatment

At Ben’s last consultation, 17 months after the start of treatment, his response to the Lycopodium clavatum prescription was assessed. His mother said he had initially been less “pushy” and happier but in recent times had become angry. He would brood when upset, refusing to give his parents a cuddle before bedtime, as if to punish them. Sometimes he would strike in anger. Lycopodium had done good work but was now causing an aggravation. It was time for a new prescription.

Other newly emerged symptoms in his case at this time were: wanting to sit in the dark for long periods; obsessed with playing with water; a craving for chocolate (again) and a dislike for fruit and bread (which he used to enjoy). Ben was also rubbing his tongue against his teeth as though it was sore. On examination, it had a red stripe down the centre. His rocking had escalated and he was indecisive about food. All these symptoms pointed to a prescription of Phosphorus. It was commenced in a liquid 12C potency.

One week later, I received a phone call from his mother. She said Ben was more tolerant, rocking less, no longer craving chocolate, and more decisive about food. Though he was still sitting in the dark, this had lessened. Treatment continues.

So – what has homeopathy achieved for Ben? He is certainly a different boy to the one medicated with Risperidone. There have been many improvements – physical, emotional, and behavioural – but he is still carries traits of autism. The stims of rocking, jumping, lining of objects, and hitting his head on the soft lounge, whilst milder, are still present. Although obviously with intelligence, he still does not talk except for a few words. His improvement has been slower and more gradual than the previous two cases in this article, but his autism at the commencement of treatment was also deeper.

That improvements were made with each stage of treatment gives hope that future gains are still possible, perhaps at just a slightly slower rate than for others. One thing is certain, however; homeopathy, with its ability to reach deep into bioenergetic as well as biochemical levels of the body, has the potential to trigger these changes in a way nothing else can.

Parent report: Ben

Clinical Snapshots

A common remedy helped this eight-year-old boy with autism:
Desiring fish, salt, pepper, chocolate; headaches from sun; fear of thunderstorms; over-responsible with pet; talking in sleep; sleep walking; dislikes being consoled; brooding on unhappy events; wanting to be by self; asthma; hypochondriasis. (Natrum muriaticum)

A common remedy helped this ten-year-old boy with autism:
Fear and anxiety; about many things; fear of food being contaminated, of bath water being toxic; avoiding the presence of others; leg pains at night; sleepless at night; scabs inside nose with thick greenish discharge; patch of eczema under nose. (Syphilinum)

A common remedy helped this four-year-old girl with autism:
Severe, hard constipation for 31/2 years; dark bluish circles, like rings, on cheeks; acrobatic: climbing, swinging, jumping, constantly moving; desiring chocolate; dislike for meat, spices; loves to dance to music; fascinated with the colour red; violent tantrums, throws things. (Tarentula hispanica)

A common remedy helped this thirteen-year-old girl with autism:
Frequent asthma; smelly feet; desiring chocolate, meat, salt; fear of thunderstorms; unusually artistic and creative; responsible and conscientious within limits of awareness; love of being outside in the elements and with nature; love of animals; adoring the beach; brown pigmented spots on skin. (Carcinosin)

A common remedy helped this four-year-old girl with autism:
Head-banging; biting others; fear of water; excessive thirst for water; fear of the dark: must have company; night terrors; loving to sing; loving to dance; eyes sensitive to light; right-sided haemangioma; eczema; Jeckyl and Hyde personality. (Belladonna)

A common remedy helped this six-year-old girl with autism:
Frequent colds with yellow-green discharge; obsession by toy animals and animals in books but fear of real ones; frequent and public masturbation; laughter when others are upset; constantly licking lips. (Bufo rana – almost a common remedy)

A common remedy helped this three-year-old boy with autism:
Asthma that improves on holidays by the sea; love for ice and oranges; comforting himself by getting in knee-chest position, going to sleep in same position; banging head on floor; violent tantrums; frequent redness around anus “like a traffic light”; refuses to walk on grass in bare feet. (Medorrhinum)

A common remedy helped this five-year-old boy with autism:
Irritability; dislike of affection or being touched; dislike of comfort; lack of energy; splotches of pigmentation on abdomen; upset when people laugh because thinks it is at him; cracked eczema on back of hands and knuckles; frequent crying for no reason. (Sepia)

Click Here to Read Part Two

Part two of this article will discuss:

• Dietary changes and biomedical interventions: are they a useful adjunct to homeopathic treatment or do they suppress symptoms and confuse prescribing?
• Homeopathic approaches such as bowel nosodes and sequential therapy: do they have a role to play?
• Non-homeopathic approaches currently in vogue for the treatment of autism;
• The uncertainties inherent in combination homeopathics used by non-homeopaths as part of their therapy and treatment of autism;
• Case management when homeopathy is just one of many treatments and interventions taking place;
• The significance of miasms;
• Adults with autism: can homeopathy help, or has irreversible damage already been done?
• Correction of vaccine injury: is it possible and what can homeopathy do?
  

  References

  ² http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Number-of-disabled-students-soars/2005/04/25/1114281504135.html

  ⁶ http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=235&a=3527

  http://www.theage.com.au-/news/National/Number-of-disabled-students-soars/2005/04/25/1114281504135.html

  ⁷ Dr. S. Hahnemann. 1842. Organon of the Medical Art (6th Ed). Edited and annotated by W. B O’Reilly. Birdcage Books. Redmond: Washington.

  ⁸ Ramakrishnan A.U and Coulter C.R. A homeopathic approach to cancer. Berkeley Springs, West Virginia: Ninth House Publishing, 2001

  ⁹ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a694015.html#side-effects

  Copyright 2007 © Fran Sheffield

  For comments/inquiries about this article, email us.

  Fran Sheffield, MHlthScEd., MAHA., AROHReg., has been a faculty member of NatureCare College, the Australasian College of Natural Therapies, and Health Schools Australia and has lectured at the Sydney College of Homœopathic Medicine and for the Australian Homœopathic Association. She is also an invited keynote speaker on the homeopathic treatment of autism at national and international conferences. A keen proponent of increasing community awareness of homœopathy, Fran has hosted an internet radio program on homœopathy was a founding member of The Do No Harm Initiative Inc., a not-for-profit organisation established to inform communities and governments about the safe option of homœopathic immunisation.

  Other Resources

  1. Parents tell what happened for their child during homeopathic treatment 
  2. Homeopathy for Autism FAQs
  3. Reversing Autism: Part 1 – Homeopathy and the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (Information for Practitioners and Parents) 
  4. Reversing Autism: Part 2 – Other Approaches and Their Implications for Homeopathic Treatment (Information for Practitioners and Parents)