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Natural remedies recommended for autism

Evening ruqyah, play, morning fresh air, camel milk: Professor Akim Bouterra shares above what Prophetic Medicine offers for the autistic child. This guide puts it in proper context: autism is neither a punishment nor an occult affliction, ruqyah protects without "curing," early intervention changes the child's trajectory, and camel milk has been tested in five clinical trials.

The essentials in 30 seconds

Autism is a difference in brain development present from birth; it is neither a consequence of the parents' sins nor, in itself, an occult affliction. The ruqyah recommended by the professor, performed by the parents at bedtime, is a legislated protection given to every child, and it brings comfort; it does not replace proper support. What changes an autistic child's life the most is an early diagnosis and appropriate support (speech therapy, psychomotor therapy, developmental methods), whose effectiveness has been measured. Camel milk showed, across five combined trials, an improvement in behavior scores; gluten-free and casein-free diets, on the other hand, proved nothing. The play, time outdoors, and routine described by the professor are exactly what specialized teams recommend.

First, when we see that a child is trying to withdraw from society and from their parents, and begins to show a desire for isolation, we should read a "ruqyah" before they sleep. We recite Surah Al-Fatiha, the supplications of ruqyah, and the two protective surahs an-Nas and Al-Falaq, because the problem may be caused by the evil eye ("3ayn"), by sorcery ("sihr"), or by the devil (ash-shaytan), and at a young age the child does not know how to protect themselves.


In addition, a child with autism should be kept occupied; we should give them toys, as we find in the hadiths telling us that the Prophet ﷺ loved to play with children — the goal being to give the child an activity so that they do not withdraw into themselves. We can also take them outside early so that they can breathe the morning air.


As for diet, we should give the child foods that will nourish their brain, and camel milk, mentioned in Prophetic Medicine and approved by modern medicine, is a good remedy for autism. Indeed, there is a component in camel milk that helps the child's brain develop. It contains calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, which will help the child develop.

First, understanding what autism is

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a distinctive feature of brain development, present from birth, that affects how a child communicates, connects with others, and perceives the world. It affects about one child in a hundred. It is not caused by upbringing, by a vaccine, or by a parent's sin. An autistic child is not "possessed": when the professor speaks of ruqyah, it is in the context of the protection given to every child, because, as he says, "at a young age the child cannot protect himself." It is a precaution, not a diagnosis. No raqi can claim that autism comes from an occult harm, and anyone who claims this and sells sessions should be avoided.

The evening ruqyah: what it offers, and its limits

The practice the professor describes, al-Fatiha, the supplications, al-Falaq and an-Nas before sleep, is the one the Prophet ﷺ used to perform for his grandsons al-Hasan and al-Husayn: "I place you both under the protection of the perfect words of Allah, against every devil, every venomous creature, and every harmful eye" (al-Bukhari). It is done for every child, autistic or not. For the autistic child, this bedtime ritual has an added benefit: it is predictable. The same voice, the same words, the same order every evening, a hand placed on the head — this is exactly the kind of routine that soothes these children and eases falling asleep, which is often difficult for them. Ruqyah is therefore beneficial. It does not "cure" autism, which is not an illness, and it is no substitute for any form of support.

What truly changes the trajectory: early intervention

  • The largest synthesis of early interventions in autistic children (Project AIM, 252 studies) shows that developmental approaches centered on play and parent interaction, and naturalistic behavioral approaches, improve language, social communication, and cognition (BMJ, 2023).

In practical terms, in France: the child's doctor refers the family to a coordination and referral platform (PCO), which arranges an assessment and covers speech therapy, psychomotor therapy, and occupational therapy, with no upfront cost, from the very first concern and even before a diagnosis is made. The earlier this happens, the more the child progresses. The play the professor recommends is at the heart of these methods: playing with the child, at his level, following what interests him, is already a form of therapy.

Camel milk and diet: what the trials have measured

ApproachWhat the research foundWhat we make of it
Camel milkMeta-analysis of 5 randomized trials (299 children): improvement in autistic behavior scores compared with cow's milk or placebo, with raw milk performing slightly better than boiled milk (Open Vet J, 2024)One glass a day for 2 to 4 weeks, as in the trials; pasteurized in the United States (raw camel milk carries an infectious risk). See camel milk dosage
Gluten-free, casein-free dietSystematic review of 6 randomized trials: no significant difference in autism symptoms (Eur J Nutr, 2018)We do not impose it: it complicates the child's life with no proven benefit, unless a genuine intolerance is confirmed
Omega-312 trials pooled in 2026: a small effect on irritability and hyperactivity, none on the core features of autism (Nutrients, 2026)Fatty fish twice a week, or moderate supplementation; no miracle should be expected
"Brain" foodsThe professor cites calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6: they matter mainly because many autistic children eat very few different foods and end up deficientBlood work with the pediatrician if the child is very selective; broaden the diet little by little, without forcing

The outdoors, play, sleep: the child's day

"Have him go out early so that he breathes the morning air," says the professor. This is a good rule: morning light sets the sleep clock, which is often disrupted in the autistic child, and movement outdoors reduces agitation. To this, one can add visible cues (a chart of the day's steps with pictures), transitions announced in advance, a quiet corner where the child can retreat when noise becomes overwhelming, and limited screen time, which too easily replaces interaction. Bedtime ends with the ruqyah, always in the same order.

Contraindications and precautions

Be wary of anything that promises to "cure" autism: chelation, extreme diets, repeated paid ruqyah sessions, high-dose supplements. These practices have harmed children. Camel milk should be given to children pasteurized, never raw. A child who refuses almost all foods needs nutritional follow-up, not an additional diet. And parents have the right to be helped: parental exhaustion is common, and it can be treated too.

Frequently asked questions

Can autism come from the evil eye or sorcery?

No. Autism is a developmental feature present from birth. The ruqyah recommended by the professor is the protection given to every child; it brings comfort, but it is not a treatment for autism, and no one can claim an occult cause.

Does camel milk cure autism?

It does not cure it, but five pooled trials show an improvement in behavior scores in children who drink it daily for a few weeks. It is a reasonable supplement, pasteurized, alongside proper support.

Which Surah should be read for an autistic child?

Those cited by the professor: al-Fatiha, al-Falaq, an-Nas, along with the Prophet's ﷺ supplications of protection for his grandsons, every evening in the same order. Consistency matters as much as the text for this child.

Should gluten and dairy products be removed?

Randomized trials show no benefit for autism. This should only be done if an intolerance is diagnosed, since this diet complicates the life of a child who is already selective.

Where should one start when in doubt?

With the child's doctor, who will refer you to the coordination platform (PCO) in your area: assessment and initial sessions with no upfront cost, without waiting for a diagnosis. The earlier one begins, the more the child progresses.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace medical advice or personalized care.

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