Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

Holistic approach to autism holds hope

— Photo: M.Karunakaran

Finding cure: A session in progress at the national seminar on Medical and Therapeutical Intervention for Autism at Anna University Alumni Club in Chennai on Sunday.

CHENNAI: Though no complete cure has been found yet for autism, a holistic intervention can prove effective, speakers at a national seminar on Medical and Therapeutical Intervention for Autism conducted by non-governmental organisation Swabhimaan Trust said here on Sunday.

The holistic approach includes use of medicines, diet moderation and regular exercise to help those with autism cope with the symptoms. A neurological disorder linked to the genes, autism manifests itself in poor social adaptability, learning disabilities and poor eating habits.

Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Committee, Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS) Dr.P.Jayaprakash said that the Siddha system could prove effective in curtailing the disease process.

Parents of autistic children are often confused about what food items to give them. Yoga and naturopathy physician Dr.S.Lakshmi suggested that they resort to allergy tests and an immunotoxicology test to check what food items would suit their children. “On the basis of these test results a proper diet chart can be prepared for these children,” she said.

She pointed out that most autistic children were allergic to food having yeast content and suffered from the ‘leaky gut syndrome’ and so diet regulation must be done meticulously.

Dr.P.K.Partheeban of Swabhimaan Trust said that environmental and genetic toxicity were proving to be one of the important causes of autism and addressing these issues could also prove beneficial for victims.

He suggested that chelation therapies such as Epsom salt baths and B12 injections could address the problem of toxicity.

He also stressed the importance of specialised education for such children and modifying the teaching methods to suit the neuropsychological profile of the child.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Construction workers take out rally
Man arrested in cheating case
Autorickshaw driver returns valuables to owners
Drowned
Vocational courses
In honour of children’s excellence
Holistic approach to autism holds hope
ICWAI to introduce ‘certified accounting technician’ course
Order denying permission for MDMK meeting set aside
Petition in Madras High Court against Veerapandi Arumugam
“Ensure funds do not end up with LTTE”
“Don’t spare officials involved in illegal mining in the Nilgiris”
Centre allows vehicle alteration for persons with disabilities
Young World Painting contest
Anyone with a family history of thyroid disorders must go for test Health & Lifestyle
All about a dreamer, an achiever
Arthroscopy and sports injury clinic inaugurated
Anti-corruption pledge marks launch of Vigilance Awareness Week
Overcoming challenges academically
Four wild dogs die in zoo
Now storytelling for tourism promotion
Government told to pay compensation for custodial death
Promising investment areas
Power supply to be suspended today
Garbage van runs over Chennai Corporation official in Kodambakkam
Fears of U.S. job cuts’ domino effect grip employees
Now cost-cutting is trendy
CM to inaugurate new dealership
Adopt resolution for ceasefire: VCK
Financial assistance to injured cadres
Veeramani plea on Sri Lankan issue
Sufficient stock of rice for cardholders
New additional judge
Rajinikanth meets fans, answers questions on his future plans
New Commandant for Special Police
Gang behind major robberies busted
Electronic goods seized
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to open on January 8
In Chennai Today

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu