Ayurvedic Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder - A Case Study

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. It is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition with its onset before the age of three years. It is characterized by abnormalities in communication, impaired social function, repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. Western medicine and research have seemingly stalled in respect to the management of autism however early intervention and behavioral therapies have shown improvement to some extent. The present study describes the case of childhood autism visited at Government Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Akhnoor, Jammu. Child was diagnosed clinically and has been treated with Ayurvedic interventions, Panchakarma therapies and diet modification. Child has got relief symptomatically within one week of therapy started. Case study briefly explained Ayurvedic concepts regarding childhood autism and Ayurvedic treatment protocols in autistic disorder. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, hyperactivity, Ayurveda, Management, Prevention, Pinda Sweda, Abhyanga, Pichu, Nasya, Uttar Basti.