YOGA AND AYURVEDA for Children with Autism

PRASAD VELUTHANAR shares a practical approach to autism that has evolved out of his role as an Ayurvedic doctor, and research in the field of Ayurveda.

- PRASAD VELUTHANAR, ANANYA PATEL

The incidence of autism in modern societies continues to increase at rates never before observed. In the US and Canada, for example, diagnoses of autistism have increased nearly fiftyfold over the last forty years. Ayurvedic medicine has been very effective in supporting autism, utilizing specialized diets, herbs, yoga, and massage1. Children have improved through treatments that include food elimination, sensitivity testing, herbal supplements, yoga, and social normalization.

Nutrition, probiotics, and immune support

One factor thought to contribute to autism and autism spectrum disorders is impaired serotonin metabolism in the central nervous system. Autistic children contain significantly higher amounts of blood serotonin than normal, indicating a metabolic issue with serotonin (Hoshino et al., 2008).

Autistic children have digestive issues and food sensitivities. Certain foods, additives, and pollutants appear to have a significant impact, e.g., dairy products; nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and peppers; citrus fruits; peanuts; preservatives, colors, food additives, insecticides, pesticides, and heavy metals. They may block serotonin metabolism or contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort. These issues may be reduced or avoided by eliminating some of these foods.

Digestion is supported by herbs like ginger, long pepper, black pepper, and the combination of all three, known as Trikatu. Trikatu stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and promotes the absorption of essential nutrients.

Autistic children are more likely to suffer from food sensitivities resulting from improper digestion, often a result of weakened digestive and immune systems. This may cause partially digested food to move into the bloodstream, causing an autoimmune response or a response similar to an allergic reaction.