Abstract

Effect of IAYT on Physical, Behavioral and Social Communicative Functions in Autism

Author(s):Ruchira R. Joshi and Sunanda S. Rathi

Background: Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder caused due to malfunction in brain development. In India, this is an emerging field in child psychiatry with only limited awareness and diagnosis. The role of therapy in the treatment of autism is to consider the individual needs and skills which are fulfilled by yoga interventions. Aim: To evaluate the effect of IAYT (the Integrated approach of Yoga Therapy) on physical, behavioral and social communicative functions in Autism. Methods: An IAYT (Integrated approach of Yoga Therapy) module of 45 minutes duration was conducted on 30 autistic children (yoga group-15 and control group -15) for 3 months of age group from 5 to 9 years old including both the gender. Physical parameters like pulse, blood pressure, and weight, BHR (Breath holding rate) along with behavioral questionnaires like ISAA (Indian Scale of assessment of Autism), ABC (Aberrant Behavior Check-list) and SCQ (Social Communication Questionnaire) were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: BHR has been increased and ISAA has been decreased with significance in the yoga group. Yoga group has improved better than that of the control group. Diastolic blood pressure and scores of ABC has been improved significantly in the yoga group as compared to the control group. Conclusion: IAYT is effective to reduce physical, behavioral and social communicative symptoms in Autism.

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