Autism Spectrum Disorder: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and the Emerging Evidence for Homoeopathic Intervention—A Critical Review of Current Evidence and Research Gaps

Abstract

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction together with restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. Autism represents a major global developmental-health concern, although reported prevalence differs considerably between populations because of variations in diagnostic criteria, screening practices, case ascertainment and availability of healthcare services. The biological basis of ASD is complex and involves interactions between genetic susceptibility and developmental and environmental factors. Although homoeopathy is used by some families as a complementary approach, the scientific evidence concerning its role in ASD remains limited.

Objective

 This review aims to summarize current evidence regarding the definition, epidemiology, prevalence, pathophysiology, risk factors and prevention of ASD, with particular emphasis on the Indian context, and to critically examine available research concerning homoeopathic intervention in ASD and identify important research gaps.

Methods

A narrative critical review was undertaken using information from PubMed/MEDLINE-indexed literature, World Health Organization resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance reports, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy publications and relevant scholarly literature. Literature relating to autism epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention and homoeopathic research was examined. Particular attention was given to study design, population characteristics, outcome measures, treatment standardization, concomitant interventions and duration of follow-up.

Results

Current evidence indicates that ASD arises from complex neurodevelopmental processes involving genetic susceptibility, altered neuronal development, synaptic organization, neural connectivity and potentially interacting immune, metabolic and environmental mechanisms. WHO estimated that approximately 1 in 127 people worldwide had autism in 2021. In the United States, CDC surveillance identified ASD in approximately 1 in 31 children aged 8 years in 2022. Indian epidemiological evidence remains limited; a systematic review of community-based studies reported pooled prevalence estimates of 0.11% in rural children and 0.09% in urban children, while emphasizing the scarcity of high-quality population-based studies. Homoeopathic literature includes case reports, case series and institutional clinical research. CCRH has reported a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial of individualized homoeopathic medicines in autism. However, the available published evidence remains heterogeneous and insufficient to establish the efficacy of homoeopathy for the core characteristics of ASD.

Conclusion

ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with substantial global and public-health significance. The epidemiological evidence from India remains inadequate, creating a need for standardized population-based surveillance. Homoeopathic research in ASD provides preliminary clinical observations and demonstrates an area requiring further investigation; however, current evidence does not establish homoeopathy as an effective treatment for the core features of ASD. Future research should prioritize adequately powered multicentre randomized controlled trials, standardized diagnostic and outcome measures, transparent individualized prescribing methods, documentation of concomitant developmental interventions and long-term follow-up.