Ayurvedic management of autism- a case report

Abstract

A male child aged 5 years presenting with delayed speech (only a few words), reduced eye contact, stranger anxiety, laughing and jumping frequently noticed since 2½ years of age, taking non-eatables like candles, newspapers etc. to mouth was diagnosed as Vathapradhana Sannipatha Unmadam (Childhood Autism). CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) value was 42. This case was treated at the Department of Kaumarabhritya, Government Ayurveda College, Tripunithura and there was much improvement in eye contact, jumping and laughing reduced, the patient started to speak a few new words, attention improved and CARS Value reduced to 36 after treatment. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. It can be correlated to Unmada in Ayurveda. Impaired agni (digestive fire) is a cardinal feature in Autism which is due to abnormal microbiota Autism. Correction of Agni by Deepana, Pachana which corrects the dysbiosis of microbiota along with the adoption of treatment principles of Unmada can bring about much improvement in the signs and symptoms of Autism.