Autism and Ayurveda

Journal of Psychosocial Research , 2020

The aim of the paper is to delineate the fundamental principles of Ayurveda as applied in the presentation of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) among children and present a systematic Àyurvedic treatment protocol for children diagnosed with ASD. The author-a practising Àyurvedic expert physician and scholar notes that Ayurveda is a theory based system and these theoretical principles empower the clinician towards applications of the same in specific context and practice. The author also notes that classical Ayurvedic texts do not specifically discuss ASD and the paper involves original research efforts towards identifying resolutions in the context of parents and children with ASD, who are looking towards Àyurveda for relief. With the objective to present the Àyurvedic principles and a systematic treatment protocol, the author delineates the Àyurvedic logical framework as applied to ASD from his extensive clinical practice. Further, based on his clinical work, the paper presents a systematic phase wise Àyurvedic protocol for ASD. The paper has profound implications for the integration of indigenous Àyurvedic medicines in the context of contemporary disorders. Second, the paper indicates several hypotheses that can now be tested empirically in the next phases of research. If proven, an evidenced based policy on Àyurvedic treatment for children with ASD can be proposed and implemented.

This is the paper that I presented in the international conference held at Moscow on 1,2, April 2016. This is expected to give a broad idea about the ayurvedic approach towards ASD and related disorders. As it was presented for a heterogenous group of listeners, with poor/no English language, the finer technical hues may be missing. I think it was inevitable.

Pediatrics & Health Research, 2018

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that tremendously impacts the normal functioning of brain, challenging child development particularly in the field of language and communication, social and emotion with presence of unusually strong narrow interest and personal occupation by the repetitive stereotype mannerism.

2013

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella of neurodevelopmental disorders that are differentiated by deficits in social interaction, communication, and limited, repetitive actions, interests, or behaviors. Autism is not the result of any one factor but can include contributing factors such as the use of pharmaceutical drugs, parental age, pesticides, and possibly vaccines. It also takes its toll on mental health by creating extra, unneeded, and unusable brain cell connections called synapses. This causes the brain of an individual with ASD(s) to have sensory overloads by minute external stimuli, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and isolation.

Annals of Epidemiology, 2016

Annals of Epidemiology j o u r n a l h o m e p a g e : w w w. a n n a l s o f e p i d e m i o l o g y. o r g

International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy

Background: Garbhopaghatakara bhava, inclusive of altered maternal habits, diet, behaviours, and exposures in the perinatal period disrupt normal growth and development of the foetus. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impaired social behaviour and communication skills. Many risk factors for ASD are identified but with no generalization of definite aetiology. Psychosocial anomalies in Ayurveda have been explained under the spectrum of unmada. Such diseases are said to present early in life and persist throughout the lifespan when associated with garbhopaghatakara bhava. This study explores the association of garbhopaghatakara bhava with the etiopathogenesis of ASD. Materials and Methods: Parents of 50 children who have ASD enquired about garbhopaghatakara bhava using a structured survey format. Results: Male preponderance (80%) with middle socio-economic strata (62%) predominated the study population. 48% had delayed speech and communication with poor eye contact, ...

Corwin Press eBooks, 2014

utism spectrum Disorders (ASD) are, without doubt, one of the nosological groups that cause the greatest suffering in childhood both for those who are affected with this condition and for those who accompany them (parents, family, caregivers, etc.). ASD is a group of chronic conditions with onset before the age of three. However, it is believed that in many cases affectation is present at birth or even in the foetal period. Although some children have signs in the first few months of life, others do not become manifest until 24 months of age. In fact, development sometimes appears to be normal until the children are aged 18-24 months, when they stop acquiring new skills and lose those they have already acquired. Many studies have shown that people with ASD interact, communicate, learn and behave differently from others. Sometimes, however, there appears to be no difference, and sometimes children with ASD show both a 'high level' of functioning in specific areas and a constant need for support in all areas of functioning throughout their lives. Moreover, some people who do not suffer from ASD may also present several symptoms of the disorder.