Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Closer Look with Ayurveda
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is another area where the healing system of Ayurveda shines. The lens with which Ayurveda views well-being enables a balanced approach toward some of the other issues that sometimes go along with ASD.
ASD is a spectrum of bio-neurological developmental differences and is characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties with social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors and sensory sensitivity. Though there are definite strengths and unique abilities associated with ASD, it is often diagnosed based on several areas of neurological development. The National Autism Association lists the following developmental differences.
Social behaviors:
- Literal and precise language; extensive vocabulary
- Making little or no eye contact while talking to another person
- Difficulty with the back and forth of conversation and when to speak or listen
- Talking at length without noticing others are not interested
- Facial expressions or gestures that don’t match what is being said
- An unusual tone of voice that may sound flat and robot-like
- Difficulty understanding people’s tone of voice, facial expressions or body language
- Difficulty developing and maintaining relationships
Restrictive/repetitive behaviors:
- Repeating or mimicking other peoples’ behaviors
- Repeating words or talking out loud to themselves
- Ability to focus on one subject for extended periods of time and becoming an expert on the chosen subject
- Ability to see developing patterns with numbers, details or facts
- Thrown emotionally/mentally off balance with changes in routine
Sensory challenges:
- Hypersensitivity to bright lights, multiple sounds, strong odors, certain textures and temperature changes
- Insomnia is common because sleep is easily disturbed
- Hyperflexible joints and uncoordinated movements
- Unable to speak, or delayed speech
People with ASD have many strengths and excel in areas of technical learning:
- Ability to learn and remember information in great detail for long periods of time
- Remarkable focus and persistence on one topic
- Aptitude for recognizing patterns within complex problems
- Strong visual and/or auditory learning skills
- Excelling in math, science, music or art
Associated symptoms:
The American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual, the DSM-V, reports there are many associated symptoms with both children and adults with ASD. There are high rates of chronic medical conditions including gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic syndrome, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and exposure to violence and abuse. Autism is associated with reduced life expectancy, especially when combined with chronic trauma and lack of support.
Females with ASD present differently than males and many are not diagnosed until later in life. Males with ASD tend to be extroverted and talkative while females with ASD can be introverted, intuitive, shy, struggle to fit in and often mimic other female behavior. Females with ASD tend to have higher burdens of stress as well, which leads to higher rates of chronic illness.
Many ASD adults have poor eating habits and suffer with indigestion, constipation and food intolerances. There is no specific diet recommended for ASD adults but many have sensitivities to flavors, textures, smells and chemicals in the food. Some ASD adults require support to remember to eat or to prepare meals. ASD adults have a higher-than-average prevalence of high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.
Anxiety, depression and irritability is more common in adults with ASD than those without. Mental health issues are worsened by high stress environments, trauma and a lack of support.
Ayurveda and ASD
According to Ayurveda, the tridosa (vata-pitta-kapha) is responsible for controlling and monitoring all of the bodily functions. Vata energy is responsible for movement, activity, cellular exchange, circulation, conduction, intellectual and memory processing, speech and sensory and motor action. Vata also controls the thought process like thinking, planning and decision-making. Pitta dosa is responsible for metabolism and digestion kapha dosa is responsible for nourishment and grounding.
In the classical texts there is no exact mention of neurological disorders like ASD, although Unmada is close to those with severe ASD. The long list of general symptoms points toward a vata-dominant disorder. An Ayurvedic protocol would be highly beneficial for people with ASD, as many have food and chemical sensitivities and would thrive from a holistic approach to their health.
ASD is perceived as a manifestation of bijadosa or genetic predisposition and therefore a lifelong condition. When thinking about an Ayurvedic protocol it’s important to remember each individual has specific neurological differences and will require a very personalized approach.
Both vata dosa and majja dhatu (bone marrow tissue) are factors in ASD. Majja dhatu has an impact on the nerve cells in the brain. The goal of Ayurvedic treatment is to balance vata dosa as well as nourish majja dhatu to enhance or maintain chemical balance within the nerve cells.
Causes behind a vata dosa imbalance:
- Vata-unbalancing diet and lifestyle at the time of conception, pregnancy and during the lactation period
- Rajasic diet and activity during pregnancy
- Extreme physical and mental exercise during pregnancy
Ayurvedic Solutions
With ASD, the goal is to balance vata dosa which has an impact on the nervous system and mind. Balancing brain cells and their chemical composition improves the sensory and motor functions. It also improves focus, judgment, speech and an understanding between good and bad behavior. In Ayurveda the process of purifying is called the buddhi vishodhana (vijananamaya kosha).
Ayurveda believes in the power of shodhana chikitsa (purification therapy), which has an impact on the physical and mental level. There are certain therapies recommended during this procedure like shirodhara, nasya, shiroabhyanga, shirobasti, etc.
After purification therapy, shamana chikitsa (palliative therapy) it is recommended to pacify vata dosa and nourish the seven bodily tissues (saptadhatu). There are certain herbal medicines suggested during this program that enhances nerve cells.
- Mahakalyanaka Ghritam
- Manasamitra Vatakam
- Saraswata Ghritam
- Brahmi Ghritam
- Kshirabala Tailam
- Anu Tailam
For more information about Ayurveda and ASD, purchase this book by Ayurvedic experts from Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, available on our online store.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and this information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop and we will connect you with one of our affiliated Ayurvedic professionals. Check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.