Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown aetiology, which is characterised by deficits in social communication and interaction, and restrictive and repetitive behaviours, interests and activities. The cause of ASD is undetermined but evidence points towards a combination of genetic, epigenetic and environmental causes. The disorder has a recorded prevalence rate of one in sixty-eight internationally and an estimated prevalence rate of one in eighty-six in South Africa. An abundance of interventions are available for the management of the symptoms of ASD but no cure is currently available. These interventions are costly and interventions which have a positive effect in some children, produce no effect in others. Drug interventions are commonly employed but may produce a variety of adverse side-effects. The quality of life of the children with ASD, as well as of their family, may be negatively impacted by the disorder.
Homoeopathy is a cost effective, complementary medicine which aims to treat patients in a holistic manner. Research on the homoeopathic treatment of ASD is limited, but the existing evidence demonstrates that individualised homoeopathic treatment has a positive effect on the symptoms of ASD. Homoeopathic treatment has also been evidenced to improve the symptoms of other neurological disorders such as learning difficulties and depression.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of individualised homoeopathic treatment, as prescribed by registered homoeopathic practitioners, on children with ASD. This was evaluated using qualitative data gathered from interviews with the participants and their parents/guardians, as well as quantitative data collected from the Childhood Autism Rating Scale-2™ (CARS-2™) and the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC).
This study was of a descriptive case study design, with structured interview and quantitative measurement components. Participants were recruited via advertisements, and a sample size of a minimum of ten participants was selected, due to the detailed nature of the data collection, qualitative reporting and the length of the study. A total of fourteen children, aged between three and six years, were assessed for eligibility for the study, of which only seven qualified to participate. One of these participants was later excluded from the study...