Disorders of children with special needs (CWSN)

Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, repeatative and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, and uneven intellectual development often with intellectual disability. Symptoms start in early childhood. The cause in most of the children is unknown. Ayurvedic approach may at least develop these children to become self dependant and responsible in order not to be burden to their parents or others.

Down syndrome is an anamoly of chromosome 21 that causes intellectual disability, microcephaly, short stature, and characteristic facies. Diagnosis is suggested by physical anamolies and abnormal development and confirmed by karyotype analysis. Modern treatment depends on specific manifestations and anamolies while Ayurvedic approach depends on particular Ayurvedic Diagnosis focusing on the root cause of the disease.

Also known as Intellectual Disability, is characterized by significantly sub average intellectual functioningcombined with limitations of more than 2 of the following – communication, self direction, social skills, self care, use of community resources, and maintenance of personal safety. With combined external and internal therapies of Ayurveda, surprizing improvements in Intellectual Functioning and Personal Skills of such children can be seen.

Muscular Dystrophies are inherited, progressive muscle disorders resulting from defects in one or more genes needed for normal muscle function. They are distinguished by the selective distribution of weakness, and the specific nature of the genetic abnormality involved. These kind of disabilities put a big question mark over the future life of affected children. Thankfully, Ayurveda has got some specific solutions for these kind of ailments allowing the affected children to rise up above their disabilities and live as normal as any other healthy being.

Cerebral Palsy refers to nonprogressive syndromes characterized by impaired voluntary movement or posture and resulting from prenatal developmental malformations or perinatal or postnatal CNS changes. Children with cerebral palsy can be seen recovering beautifully after ayurvedic treatments over a period of time.