AN INTEGRATIVE AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON VATAKAPHAJA UNMADA IN A CHILD WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A CASE STUDY

In Ayurvedic Classical texts, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not described as a single specific and defined clinical condition. However, its symptom profile can be clinically correlated to specific disorders based on lakshana’s, dosha involvement and Manovaha Srotas dushti. Unmada as mentioned in Ayurvedic Classics is a major Manasika Vikara marked by impairment of mental functions due to Dosha vitiation, presenting with overt psychotic features, not typical to Autism. Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by deficits in social interaction communication, language development, and combined with restricted and repetitive behaviours. Therefore, the correlation of Vatakaphaja Unmada to ASD is based on symptom similarity rather and definitive diagnosis. The present case is correlated to Vatakaphaja Unmada based on symptom similarity and highlights its management through Ayurvedic principles.