A Pilot Comparative Study of the Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder with and without Individualised Homeopathic Treatment

Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are lifetime neurodevelopmental disorders with challenges across functional domains. This pilot study compares psychometrics and parental-reported outcome monitoring, behavioral and developmental outcomes, and co-occurring breadth of concerns for children with ASD, along with co-morbidities, with and without homeopathic treatment. Methods: After screening with the autism behavior checklist (ABC), utilizing a randomised control design and parental informed consent, this study compared children aged 2 to 12 years, divided into an experimental group receiving individualised homeopathy alongside occupational/speech therapy (HG), and a control group receiving only the latter (CG). Seven-year data were collected and analysed through standardised behavioral assessments, speech-language assessments, parental questionnaires, and observational methods. Results: A total of 38 children with ASD completed the study [HG n = 19 and CG n = 19]. Childhood autism rating scale (CARS) scores reduced in HG from 49.8 (SD = 5.6) to 28.6 (SD = 4.7; p < 0.001), in contrast to CG, where they reduced from 48.9 (SD = 3.9) to 41.9 (SD = 4.0; p = 0.85). Social responsiveness scale (SRS) mean score in HG reduced from 85.2 (SD = 10.5) to 73.4 (SD = 9.8; p < 0.01), contrasting with CG 86.2 (SD = 10.7) to 80.8 (SD = 9.90; p = 0.96). Autism treatment evaluation checklist (ATEC) mean score in HG reduced from 76.5 (SD = 15.2) to 62.3 (SD = 14.6; p < 0.01) compared with CG 77.4 (SD = 16.1) to 70.3 (SD = 14.8; p = 0.98). Parents reported improved emotional regulation with a decrease in anxiety-related behaviors, reduced co-morbidities, and neurodevelopmental parent report for outcome monitoring (ND-PROM). Conclusion: These findings indicate that individualised homeopathic treatment appears promising for children with ASD for integration within conventional care frameworks.