Autism or autism spectrum disorder(ASD) is a disorder that affects a person's behavior and interaction with others. It usually shows before a child reaches the age of three. Boys are almost four times more likely to have it than girls.

Children with autism will have problems with interaction with others, including their parents. They will not respond to social or personal situations like other children. But they may have some other skills in which they may excel. They may be good at music, maths, artistry, etc.

The exact cause of why it happens is not clear. Some abnormalities in the genes could be a reason. The symptoms and severity will vary among people. Most of them will be able to take care of their needs without being wholly dependent on others. But a few may need lifelong attention and care.

There is no treatment to cure autism. Instead, children will get training to improve their skills and to make them take care of themselves.

Ayurveda has some treatment programs that help to improve the situation. The treatments put stress on stimulating the nerves and blood flow. It helps to rejuvenate the body and the mind of the person to make them more positive.

The exact cause of autism is still not clear. Experts believe that many factors combine to cause the condition. It includes genetic and environmental factors.

Some genes control how the brain cells develop and how these cells communicate with each other. Changes in these genes can cause problems with both. These changes may be present before birth or occur all of a sudden. But why these changes happen is still not clear.

Experts also believe that some environmental and other factors also have a role to play. Some viruses, complications in pregnancy, air pollutants, etc., are some of them.

Some other factors may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorders. These include

Being male- Boys are four times more likely to have it than girls.

Having a close relative with the problem- In families where one child has the problem is more likely to have other children with the same problem.

Premature babies- Babies born before the seventh month are at high risk.

Age of the parents- Higher the age of parents at the higher the risk

Some of the common signs include

Slow development

Failure to look and focus

Abnormal reactions to environmental stimuli

Abnormal social interactions

Not smiling when greeted by parents and other familiar people

No obvious feelings of pain and physical injury

Problems with language skills

Absence of symbolic play

Repetitive and stereotyped behaviors

There are no tests to detect autism. Doctors usually do it by assessing the behavior of the children. They will also look into the signs of autism. 

Autism can lead to many other issues. These can be

Epilepsy

Sleep disorders

Depression

Gastric issues 

Problems in school 

Difficulty in learning

Getting isolated in society

Not able to live independently

Stress within the family

Ayurveda is a treatment method that treats the body as well as the mind. There are three doshas, namely the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, that control the body's functions. 

You will become ill when one or more of these doshas aggravates. Autism occurs due to the excess Vata Dosha in the body. It affects the pathways of nutrients and nerve signals. 

A complete treatment of panchakarma tailored for the individual according to the season, person's age, muscle tone, disability, bodyweight, etc. can give great relief.

These therapies may vary according to the person. Intake of herbal medicines, yoga, and pranayama, etc. also helps in treatment.

Vata, seated in the colon, governs all the movements in the body and mind. It enables blood flow, nerve conduction, and the waste to move out of your body.

ASD, as you know, happens due to problems in the neurons of the brain. Treatments aim to bring the Vata dosha under control. By doing so, it energizes your body by improving blood circulation. It helps in the transmission of signals by the brain and the nerves.

The main methods are 

Abhyanga- Massage all over the body using suitable oils or herbal juices. It improves blood circulation and activates the nervous system. 

Swedana- It aims to remove the toxins in the body by making the person sweat. 

Lepanam- The doctor will advise applying medicinal pastes on the body of the patient. It improves the blood flow and helps to energize the nerves in the area.

Dhara- In this, the therapists will pour medicated oils on certain areas in a slow and steady rhythm. It stimulates the muscles and nerves, which energize the body. 

Thala pothichil – Covering the head with herbal pastes. It helps to improve nerve functions.

Shirodhara: Medicated liquid is poured on the forehead while moving the container in a pendulum movement. It helps to improve brain function.

Internal medications will mostly be in the form of ghee.The use of panchakarma methods is possible only if the child is above 12 years of age. 

The hospitalization is usually for 21-28 days. The patient may have to continue Ayurvedic medicines at home even after the treatment.

There is no known cure for this disorder. However, there are methods that will help manage the symptoms and in learning critical life skills.

These include therapies for self and the family. The person may need medicines to cope with other complications