An interventional study to assess the effect of spiritual therapy in the treatment of autistic children
- Conditions
- Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders,
- Registration Number
- CTRI/2022/06/043459
- Lead Sponsor
- Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute
- Brief Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurobiological disorder with onset in early childhood. The main features are impairment in social communication and social interaction accompanied by restricted and repetitive behaviors starting from early developmental period. The cause of ASD is thought to result from disrupted neural connectivity and is primarily impacted by genetic variations affecting early brain development. Many environmental and epigenetic models have been described too. This is spectrum of disorder hence presentation varies significantly from one individual to another, as well as over the course of development for a particular child. There is no diagnostic biochemical test for ASD. Diagnosis is therefore based on careful review of the history and direct observation of the child’s behavior, is done by using DSM-5 criteria of ASD. After more than 20 years of committed research in autism, there is ample reason to pursue alternative solutions to treatment. Prospective studies have generally found that 60–75 percent of individuals with autism followed into adulthood experience poor or very poor outcomes. There is also no effective medication for autism. Risperidone, the only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of altered behaviors in autism, has known adverse effects and is only indicated for moderate-to-severe behavioral problems associated with autism since there is no clear benefit in treating core symptoms. Yogis and eastern physicians knew of the existence of the circulatory and endocrine systems and circadian rhythms as early as the 6th century BC [46, 104, 105] and describe a more refined level of signaling in organisms at 5 physical and atomic level than the chemical and molecular known to modern medicine today [42, 46, 106]. (example, verses 1–12 of the Mandukya Upanishad describes four levels of consciousness from waking to pure consciousness, and nineteen channels: four functions of mind, which are manas, chitta, ahamkara, and buddhi, that operate through five pranas (prana, apana, samana, udana, and vyana), the five active senses and the five cognitive senses.) Rather than ignoring this vast amount of information and the millenary arts from it derived, it is naturally desirable to yield these principles to scientific rigor to understand them. Mantra Meditation creates a one-pointed mind that helps restore the coherence of the human system and as well as harness energy to overcome physical and psychological challenges. As a complementary approach to personalized medical care and conventional therapies, mantra meditation has shyly made its way into several clinical settings and has undergone unprecedented scientific research in the last few years. Chanting mantra remains a part of many traditions and lineages of practice today. These patterns are used as catalysts of meditative states and Samadhi (pure consciousness) because of their perfected rhythm, sound, tone, focus, and meaning. This is not uncharted territory since it is known that musical beats have entraining power. For example, it is well documented that slow-tempo musical pieces induce delta brainwaves and sleep. It is also known that language, music, and singing share functional networks and therefore singing and music may compensate for deficiencies in language. According to the National Autism Center, music therapy is an emerging intervention used for people with ASD. Music therapy is used to improve a variety of skills, including social skills, communication, motor/sensory ability, and cognitive functioning. Music therapy can help students with ASD express themselves in new ways. It can provide opportunities for people with ASD to connect with other people, ease anxiety, and promote self-expression. Music is multi-sensory which helps to enhance processing and motor skills. Music therapy techniques and specific teaching strategies can be individualized to meet specific needs, preferences, family values, beliefs, and priorities. Bhaktivedanta Audio therapy includes hearing of powerful mantras and music therapy in specific raga s to improve cognitive brain function and our attempt is to correlate its effects on children affected with Autism spectrum disorders.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- Open to Recruitment
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 100
Any child aged 2 to 18 years, diagnosed Autism spectrum disorder by DSM- 5 criteria with severity grading done using CARS score will be enrolled.
- Children with autism with developmental delay will be excluded.
- The cases which fulfills DSM-5 criteria of ASD incompletely.
- Autistic children with hearing defect.
- Children with major chromosomal defect or with neuro-structural defect.
Study & Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Study Design
- Not specified
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method To study difference in Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) of autistic children treated by traditional occupational therapy with or without spiritual therapy. Visit 1 months, 3 months, 6 months
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method To study difference in developmental quotient (DQ) and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) quotient of autistic children treated by traditional occupational therapy with or without spiritual therapy.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute
🇮🇳Thane, MAHARASHTRA, India
Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute🇮🇳Thane, MAHARASHTRA, IndiaDr Omkar HajirnisPrincipal investigator9869271683dr.omkar@gmail.com