Comparing Homeopathy with Conventional Autism Treatments: What Parents Should Know

Introduction:

Why Many Parents Are Looking Beyond Conventional Care

The original image was created by Dr Lakshmi Vaswani and can be repurposed and distributed by Aulixo. 

Published By: Aulixo® Clinic

Written By: Dr. Pravin Dhole

The autism diagnosis often brings a calendar full of appointments. ABA therapy on Mondays, speech therapy on Wednesdays, occupational therapy on Fridays. For many families, this conventional model becomes the backbone of their child’s care plan. And for good reason—these interventions are backed by years of research and have helped thousands of children build language, social, and functional skills.

But even with all this in place, some parents are left wondering: What about the rest? What about the sleep issues that keep the whole house awake? The gut problems that flare up during school? The emotional meltdowns that seem to come out of nowhere? What about the child who seems overwhelmed not by learning—but by simply being?

In India alone, it’s estimated that over 6 million people may be living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Each year, around 20,000 new cases are registered, with boys being 3 to 4 times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. Globally, the CDC’s earlier estimates placed the prevalence at 1 in every 88 children—a number that's likely even higher today.

So it’s no surprise that many parents are now asking: Can something gentler help too?  Is there a way to address my child’s well-being beyond behavior charts and therapy rooms?

This is where homeopathy begins to enter the conversation as a complementary therapy. One that aims to support the whole child—body, mind, and behavior. Here we’ll explore how homeopathy compares with conventional autism treatments, what the research says, and how both can work together to support your child’s progress.

What the Research Says: Homeopathy and Autism

Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the principle of “like cures like,” using highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body’s own healing response. What sets it apart is its individualized approach—no two children receive the same remedy, even if they share the same diagnosis.

When it comes to autism, the research on homeopathy is still emerging. While large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are limited, several Indian studies have begun to document meaningful changes—especially when homeopathy is used alongside conventional therapies.

A year-long study in Mumbai followed 60 children with autism, using a self-controlled pre/post design with no external therapies added during treatment. ATEC score improvement: Average improvement of 15.12 points, or a 19.03%

overall change Significant gains across core autism areas:

• Communication: +12.6%

• Socialization: +17%

• Sensory awareness: +18.8%

• Health and behavior: +29%

• Hyperactivity dropped by 59% (AHS scale)

• 88.3% of children improved, with 9 children moving out of the autistic range on CARS

• Some children also showed normalized serotonin levels, indicating potential mood and neurological regulation

Another Delhi based study followed 25 children with autism over 18 months (18 completed), comparing outcomes with classical and non-classical homeopathy.

Key Findings:

• Improvement in classical homeopathy group: 60%

• Improvement in non-classical group: 38%

• Psychological gains:

  • Socialization: 92%

  • Hyperactivity & attention: 72%

  • Cognitive & communication skills: 61–72%

  • Sensory regulation: 66%

• Physical improvements:

  • Bowel/bladder control: 80%

  • Immune resilience: 70%

  • Reduction in stereotypy behaviors (e.g., spinning, flapping): 83%

So—What Does This Tell Us?

While these findings are promising, most researchers agree: we need more rigorous, large-scale studies to fully understand homeopathy’s role in autism care. That said, observational improvements and parental feedback can’t be ignored—especially when homeopathy is used in a thoughtful, integrated way.

What Homeopathy Can Support

(That Conventional Care May Not Fully Address)

Most conventional autism therapies are focused—and rightfully so—on improving communication, social interaction, and behavior. But as any parent will tell you, life with autism doesn’t begin and end in a therapy session.

Common Challenges + How Homeopathy May Help

Challenge	How Homeopathy Can Help
Sleep disturbances	Gentle, non-sedative remedies to support better sleep rhythms
Emotional dysregulation	Remedies customized to address anxiety, anger, withdrawal, or irritability
Digestive issues	Support for gut function, food sensitivities, and chronic constipation
Frequent infections	Helps reduce susceptibility and strengthen immune resilience
Chronic fatigue or low tone	Remedies that aim to increase vitality and physical energy
General wellbeing	Focuses on balance—physical, mental, emotional—instead of isolated symptoms

These are the kinds of improvements that can make a huge difference in daily life—and help children engage more effectively in other therapies.

“Sometimes, it’s not about treating autism itself—it’s about supporting the child’s body and mind so they feel well enough to learn, connect, and grow,” says Dr. Pravin Dhole.

Integrative Care: It’s Not Either/Or

Parents are often made to feel like they have to choose sides: clinical or natural, therapy or alternative, mainstream or holistic. But teh trusth is—you don’t have to choose.

For many families, the most meaningful progress happens when therapies work together, not in competition. That’s where homeopathy can play a supportive, integrative role in your child’s care.

Homeopathy Fits Within a Multidisciplinary Plan

• Speech therapy helps your child communicate. Homeopathy can help regulate emotions so they’re calm enough to participate.

• ABA and behavioral therapy teach routines and focus. Homeopathy can reduce hyperactivity, irritability, and sleep disruption—making therapy sessions more productive.

• Occupational therapy builds motor and sensory regulation. Homeopathy can reduce sensory overload and ease transitions between tasks.

• Medications may manage aggression or sleep. Homeopathy may offer a gentler alternative for some symptom areas—without dependency or sedation.

This doesn’t mean one replaces the other. It means that when your child’s mind and body feel more balanced, all other therapies have a better chance of working.

“Parents shouldn’t have to pick between what’s evidence-based

and what feels right,” says Dr. Pravin Dhole. “When done responsibly, homeopathy can sit comfortably alongside conventional care—and support the child in ways that traditional models sometimes overlook.”

Aulixo’s Approach to Integrative Autism Care

At Aulixo Clinic, we don’t treat “autism”—we support the child behind the diagnosis.

Our care starts with SynAutIQ™, a personalised assessment tool that helps us understand your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and developmental needs.

From there, we create an individualised homeopathic plan that works alongside ongoing therapies like speech, OT, or behavioral support—never in place of them.

We also involve you—the parent—at every step, offering clear communication, regular check-ins, and tools you can use at home.

What Parents Need to Know

Choosing to add homeopathy to your child’s autism care plan can feel like a big step. Here’s what you should know going in:

Homeopathy is safe for children with autism

• Remedies are made from natural substances in ultra-diluted doses

• Non-sedative, non-addictive, and safe for long-term use

• Can be used alongside medications, speech, OT, or behavioral therapies

It’s not a quick fix

• Some children show small changes—like better sleep or calmer behavior—within weeks

• Bigger shifts (like language or social engagement) may take 3–6 months or more

• Progress depends on the child’s age, symptoms, and other ongoing supports

It works best as part of a full care plan

• Homeopathy complements conventional therapies

• It helps create the emotional and physical stability kids need to benefit from other supports

  
  

Conclusion 

Autism care isn’t about picking one path over another. It’s about finding what helps your child feel better, grow stronger, and connect more fully—with support that fits your family. At Aulixo, we use homeopathy to complement—not compete with—conventional therapies. To fill the gaps, ease the tough days, and support the child behind the diagnosis.

References:

1. Barvalia P, Oza P, Daftary A, Joshi N, Patel D, Kumar A. Effectiveness of homoeopathic therapeutics in the management of childhood autism disorder. Indian J Res Homoeopathy. 2021;15(1):18–30. doi:10.4103/ijrh.ijrh_81_20  

2. Sharma S, Mehmood A. Homoeopathic medicinal treatment of autism. Indian J Res Homoeopathy. 2010;4(2):34–46. Available from: https://www.ijrh.org/article.asp?issn=0974-7168;year=2010;volume=4;issue=2;spage=34;epage=46;aulast=Sharma