GARBHOPAGHATAKARA BHAVA, PRECONCEPTIONAL RISK FACTORS FOR AUTISM: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Abstract

Background: Garbhopaghatakara bhava, inclusive of altered maternal habits, diet, behaviours, and exposures in the perinatal period disrupt normal growth and development of the foetus. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impaired social behaviour and communication skills. Many risk factors for ASD are identified but with no generalization of definite aetiology. Psychosocial anomalies in Ayurveda have been explained under the spectrum of unmada. Such diseases are said to present early in life and persist throughout the lifespan when associated with garbhopaghatakara bhava. This study explores the association of garbhopaghatakara bhava with the etiopathogenesis of ASD. Materials and Methods: Parents of 50 children who have ASD enquired about garbhopaghatakara bhava using a structured survey format. Results: Male preponderance (80%) with middle socio-economic strata (62%) predominated the study population. 48% had delayed speech and communication with poor eye contact, and 24% with delay in gross motor milestones. Garbhopaghatakara bhava leading to ashaya dushti (structural and functional variation in uterine milieu) were secondary to abortions (22%), hypothyroidism (10%), advanced parental age (64%), diabetes mellitus (8%). Amongst diet and activities in the mother, madhura- katu rasa (22%), eating less (28%), frequent meals (28%), day sleep (42%), night wakening (54%), excess travel (18%) and withhold of urges (16%) were seen. The genetic risk was sporadic (14%). Discussion: Garbhopaghatakara bhava can act by changing the epigenetics or disturbing the nutrition, psyche, and intellectual faculties in the child. Conclusion: Baseline information about the association of garbhopaghatakara bhava with ASD was identified. However, further analytical studies can provide substantial information and evidence.