Abstract
Autism is one of the main concern of pediatrics in the present era. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown etiology (1). It begins in early childhood. It is characterized by impairment in communication skills, social interactions and reciprocity, and imagination and play(2). The features of Autism are much similar to that of Unmada (disease of mind characterized by mental confusion etc.), a disease condition mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. Due to various etiological factors, the conjunction between Atma (the self) and Manas (mind) is disrupted resulting in the vitiation of Manovaha srotas (channels of consciousness that flow through mind). Along with this, the vitiation of three doshas (the three energies believed to circulate in the body and govern physiological activity namely Vata, pitta, and Kapha) will result in the manifestation of Unmada. The characteristic features of Unmada as per Ayurvedic classics are: Manovibhrama (perversion of mind), Budhi vibhrama (perversion of intellect), Samjnajnana vibhrama (impaired sensory perception), Smruti vibhrama (impairment of memory), Bhakti vibhrama (abnormal desires), Sheela vibhrama (inappropriate manners and behaviors), Cesta vibhrama (abnormal activities), Achara vibhrama (loss of learned skills(3). By analyzing the etiopathology and clinical features of Autism, it can be included under the broad spectrum of Unmada. (4) A 7-year-old male child was presented with the complaints of making a peculiar sound always, poor eye contact, impaired socialization and communication, unaware of the danger, thumb sucking and hyperactivity and facial dysmorphism. A systematic Ayurvedic treatment consisting primarily of Vata-Pitta hara chikitsa (treatment for pacifying Vata and Pitta) along with Deepana (drugs for enhancing digestive power), Snehana-swedana (oleation and sudation therapies), Srotosodhana (cleansing of channels), Brumhana (nourishing treatments) and Medhya rasayana (drugs for promoting intellectual and cognitive functions) and pathya krama (congenial diet and habits) resulted in considerable relief of the condition.
Highlights
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown etiology (1)
Latest survey by Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network of Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest a 15% increase in prevalence that 1 in every 59 children are being identified with Autistic Spectrum Disorder in the United States and is about 4 times more common among boys than in girls(4)
The line of management of Childhood Autism is decided based on the etiopathogenic factors in each individual
Summary
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown etiology (1). The cardinal features of Autism are impairment of social interaction, communication and imagination, and restricted interests and repetitive behavior. A seven year-old male child was presented with the following complaints: poor eye contact, impaired socialization and communication, making a peculiar sound repeatedly, unaware of the situations of danger (foreg: fire, vehicles in road etc.), thumb sucking and hyperactivity and facial dysmorphism. He was Hindu by religion and was the second child born to a middleclass, literate, non-consanguineous parents. General Examination On general examination, the child was Hyperactive inattentive, making a peculiar sound repeatedly, with poor socialization and communication, having a normal attitude and posture, moderate built and nourishment, and facial dysmorphism. MRI Brain (At 1 year of age) pointed to the presence of Arachnoid cyst in the left temporal region and Delayed myelination for age in both hemispheres
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