AUTISM

-  Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by a range of challenges related to social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. It is called a "spectrum" because it encompasses a wide variation in symptoms and levels of impairment. People with autism may have different strengths and difficulties, and the condition can manifest in various ways. It's important to recognize that each individual with autism is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all description of the condition.

 CAUSES OF AUTISM : 

- The exact causes of autism are still not fully understood, and it's likely to be a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Here are some key factors that have been associated with autism:

1. Genetic Factors: Research suggests that genetics play a significant role in autism. Many genes have been identified that may contribute to the risk of developing autism. A combination of rare genetic mutations and common genetic variations can influence an individual's susceptibility to autism.
2. Environmental Factors: Some environmental factors have been studied in relation to autism risk, including prenatal factors such as maternal exposure to certain medications, infections or toxins during pregnancy.
3. Neurological Factors: Abnormalities in brain development and connectivity have been observed in individuals with autism. These neurological differences may contribute to the characteristic behaviors and challenges associated with the condition.
4. Immunological Factors: Some studies have investigated the role of the immune system in autism, but this area of research is still ongoing and not fully understood.

 SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM :

The symptoms of autism can vary widely from person to person, but they generally fall into two main categories:

1. Social Communication Challenges :

- Difficulty with non-verbal communication, such as making eye contact and using facial expressions.

- Difficulty understanding and interpreting social cues like gestures, tone of voice and body language.

- Challenges in forming and maintaining relationships, including difficulty with making friends and engaging in reciprocal social interactions.

- Difficulty with sharing interests, emotions or experiences with others.

2. Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests:

- Engaging in repetitive movements or actions such as hand-flapping, rocking or spinning objects.

     - Maintaining rigid routines and becoming distressed when routines are disrupted.

- Having intense and narrow interests in specific topics, often to the exclusion of other activities.

- Demonstrating sensory sensitivities or aversions, such as being highly sensitive to light, sound, textures or taste.

- Therapies used now in modern medicine include speech therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), occupational therapy (OT), and dietary counselling (CD). Children with special needs get early intervention services, and as they become older, multiple educational models are stepping up to offer integrated education. These children's cognitive and verbal development improves with early identification, and trained moms play an important role in facilitating the right stimulus at the right time. In order to identify a child's skills, lessen parental stress, and increase social acceptability, early diagnosis of autism is critical.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF AUTISM

- Autism is a symptom whose cause lies in the Beeja dosha, which is triggered by a supportive environment. In order to see long-term results, the problem must be treated repeatedly throughout time. Autism and other comparable conditions may be treated with Ayurveda, which opens up a new world of possibilities for individuals in the dark.

PREVENTIVE ASPECTS :

1. Before conception: Ayurveda has documented the prohibition of consanguineous marriages. According to Ayurveda, the father and mother's preconceptional activities, conception time, parental position during coitus and poor aaharvihara, which leads to mental illness are all very important. Pregnancy counselling should be sought out prior to pregnancy.
2. Prevention during pregnancy: Pregnant women who get too much sleep or drink too much alcohol run the risk of having children who have low IQs, poor memories or are hyperactive. It is during the fourth month of pregnancy when the fetus's heart, which is the seat of its awareness, begins to function. This is known as Daurhruda. Daurhrudini's wants and aspirations may lead to autism if they are not honoured and satisfied.
3. Prevention during delivery: It was during the second stage of childbirth that Sushruta noted that an Aasana prasava woman's advice to bore down on the pains might lead to mental illness in the newborn baby.
4. Prevention during neonatal period of child: Neonatology in Ayurveda focuses on preventing birth Asphyxia, which is a significant cause of autism, by using the Prana-apatyagamana (resuscitation) method.

THREE TYPES OF CHIKITSA PLAY SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN TREATING AUTISM

1. YUKTIVYAPASHRAYA CHIKITSA

This include Ghrita preparations, medical herbs and panchkarma treatments like :

- Nasya

- Dhoompana

- Shiropichu taila

2. DAIVAYAPASHRAYA CHIKITSA

Ayurveda employs a variety of psychological techniques to achieve the intended outcome of a therapy or illness that is not responding to treatment. This include reciting a hymn and making offerings. All of this training has an effect on the mind. In psychology, religion is a part and component. Treating a condition in Ayurveda is a faith-based endeavour, and this sort of therapy is meant to pacify the acts committed in the previous life.

3. SATVAVAJAYA CHIKITSA

Temper tantrum management and sensory deprivation therapy are two examples of this kind of treatment. This also includes educating the parents about the disease's origin and making changes to the surrounding environment to promote the desired behaviour.

SPECIFIC TREATMENT :

In Ayurveda, a number of therapies have been outlined by Acharyas to address cognitive, behavioral, and memory functions.

1. Internal medication:

- Mahapaishachika ghrita

- Mahachaitasa ghrita

- Mahakalyanaka ghrita

- Panchgayva ghrita

2. External medication: In this disease, Himsagaratail, Ksheerbalatail and Shudhhatail have been proven to be effective. The preferred method is Pichu dharnam and Abhyanga, however Shirodhara and Shirobasti may be used if the patient is older and more cooperative.

Sleep difficulties may be alleviated by using Shirolepa immediately. Panchagandha choorna and Karchuradi choorna may be blended with any of the above-mentioned tailas and applied on the anterior fontanelle of the child.

Sharira abhyanga helps to calm down the anxiousness using  the Mashadi tail or Lakshadi taila.

CAC TREATMENT OF AUTISM

AUTISM CARE KIT

Chandigarh Ayurved Centre has made an ‘Autism Care Kit’ which plays an important role in improving the functions of the nervous system and reduces the signs and symptoms of autism naturally. The kit is composed of a total of 5 products – Brodley syrup, Brahmi capsule, Detox premium powder, Ashwagandha tablet, and Tagaradi churna. The medicines are made up of pure herbal ingredients that cure autism of its root cause without causing any side effects or complications.

All products description in details :

1. Brodley syrup –

Brodley syrup is very beneficial in curing autism as it includes various natural herbs that are mainly used for providing the strength to the nervous system. The herbal syrup is made up of – Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), etc. that acts as an anti-depressant and also helps in reducing the stress. The syrup boosts memory power and increases the blood flow to the brain.

Recommended Dosage– Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.

2. Ashwagandha tablet –

Ashwagandha tablets are widely used in providing internal strength to the whole body and helps in maintaining all the system. The tablet is made up of ‘Ashwagandha’ extract that improves the functioning of the brain and provides relief from stress, anxiety, depression, etc.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1tablet twice a day with normal water.

3. Mann Mitra Tablet –

Mann Mitra tablet is herbal and purely ayurvedic medicine. It is used in Ayurvedic treatment for psychiatric conditions and help to balance all the three doshas of body i.e vata, pitta, kapha. CAC Mann Mitra tablet improves intelligence and speech problems. It is helpful for making the nervous system strong and nerves as well. It contains various herbs like Bala, Vacha, Shankhpushpi, Nagkeshar etc that help you fight insomnia, anxiety, and stress. It works as a antioxidant, anti depressant, immuno booster, anti epileptic and as neuro protective drug

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice a day with normal water.

4. Shishu Bharna Rasa –

Dhootapapeshwar Shishu Bharan Rasa helps in proper physical and mental development of children. The presence of Madhumalini Vasant in Shishu Bharan Rasa improves Bala and Pushti of children by enhancing Mansa Pushti and Jatharagni Vardhan Karya.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice a day with normal water.

5. Stress care tablet –

It is an amazing combination of natural herbs like Sarpgandha, Brahmi, Tagar, jatamansi. It helps to relieve stress conditions. They help to pacify the nervous system and also helps to increase mental and physical performance. In Ayurveda when there is an imbalance of three energies i.e. Vata, pitta, and Kapha, it leads to disease. Vata has a sub dosha named prana doshas which regulates the sensory perception, brain, and mind. Tarpak Kapha subtype of kapha, governs cerebrospinal fluid, sadhak pitta subtype of pitta doshas governs emotions and their impact on the heart. So any vitiation of these doshas leads to stress.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1tablet twice a day with normal water.