Evaluation of Ayurveda Treatment Protocol in management of Autism in children – A Randomised Clinical Trial

Autism is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition manifesting in early childhood. [1]The abilities and needs of people with autism vary. While some can live independently , most of the them will have severe disabilities and require lifelong care and support. According to WHO, It is an emerging global concern with 1 in 160 children diagnosed with autism[1] . In India, 01 in every 88 children is diagnosed with Autism[2]. It is approximately four times more common in males than females.

At present no  medications  are established  to  treat its core  symptoms. Risperidone and Aripiprazole are the only FDA approved medication targeting the irritability seen with this diagnosis. Moreover, Children and adolescents with autism appear to be more susceptible to adverse effects with these medications[3]. The line of treatment commonly used is speech therapy, psychotherapy, occupational therapy, behaviour training and dietary modification. These treatments are time consuming and need of much manpower. Because of all the above reasons, there is a need to find a new approach and modality for Autism.

In Ayurveda, the autism can be understood under the concept of Unmada. In this study, we are planning the Ayurveda  Panchakarma treatment protocol  which includes sarvanaga Abhyanga, Nasya, matrabasti and shrotalam which will be beneficial in autistic children. Hence an effort is made to evaluate the effect of Ayurveda treatment protocol in autism in specified number of samples.