AYURVEDA APPROACH TOWARDS AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER – A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Autism is a developmental disorder diagnosed on the basis of early-emerging social and communication impairments and rigid and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. The manifestation of these varies greatly with age and ability, and the notion of an autism spectrum has been introduced to recognize this diversity. As per Ayurveda scriptures Autism is not explained independently, we can correlate with Unmada (insanity) cause by beeja dosa dusti(genetic material abnormality),Matraj Pittraj bhava vikriti (anomalous ovum and sperm) ,due to faulty Garbhiniparicharya (antenatal care), vitiation of Gharbhoupghatkar bhavas (detrimental factors affecting fetus) ) leads to impaired development of brain and mind, vitiation of kapha and tamoguna as well as vata and Rajo guna leads to genetic abnormality Beejadusti (atypical genetic material) .(1) The mental status of mother plays an important role for both physical and mental development of child. Currently available therapies in contemporary science are cognitive behavior therapy; behavioral management therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition therapy etc are effective while in Ayurveda specific Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic) can play indispensable role in treatment of autism. A five-year-old female child with parents reported in our OPD with diagnosed case of ASD. Course of 10 months Ayurvedic medication Medhya rasayana started, a remarkable response was observed in child clinical symptoms, growth and development achievement of milestones.