Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder through Ayurveda

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to the collection of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and varying degrees of impairment in social communication and interaction. Based on clinical characteristics, it can be correlated with Unmada (~insanity) in Ayurveda. Here, case of a four-year-old male child with complaints of poor eye contact, regressed communication as well as social skills, and poor speech, along with hyperactivity and sleep disturbance, is being presented. He was already diagnosed with moderate Autism with speech delay at the age of three years. The patient was managed with Panchakarma (~five internal bio-cleansing therapies) procedures, including Yapana basti (~medicated enema which prolongs the life span), Shirodhara (~therapeutic oil-streaming over the head), and Sarvanga abhyanga (~therapeutic oil massage to the whole body), speech and occupational therapies, along with Ayurveda oral medications for a period of six months. The patient showed good improvement in the clinical features of ASD, with improvement in the presented persistent deficits in social communication and interaction. There was a significant decrease in the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism score to 86 from 130. This case report demonstrates the effective management of ASD through a holistic approach, as single therapy might not provide overall long-term benefit in ASD. It can also be inferred that Ayurveda management, along with speech and occupational therapy, may serve as a promising, holistic, and integrative approach for the effective management of ASD without any adverse effects.