Journey of Neurodivergent Child From Silence to Strength

Dr Sakshi Sharma

drsakshimahajan03@gmail .com

"If most brains are like Windows or Android, a neurodivergent brain is like a different operating system- equally valid, just works differently."

Neurodivergence is not a disease ,it is a different way of experiencing world .Some childrens are built differently ,when they don't fit the system ,it means the system needs to change not the child .They are born with different understanding capabilities .It is quite strange that every so called' Normal 'child goes through the same milestones but a neuro divergent child does not follow the same. It dosent ,mean they understand less but their power of assuming things is different so we being Normals categorise them Abnormals

WHAT IS NEURODIVERGENCE?

"Neurodivergent is a term that recognizes natural variations in how human brains think, learn, and process information."Neurodivergent individuals may think, learn, feel, or communicate in ways that differ from the majority (neurotypical people). To put up simply Neurodivergence focuses on difference, not deficiency. It includes conditions such as:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

* ADHD

* Dyslexia

* Dyspraxia

* Tourette syndrome

Neurodivergent people may have:

* Unique learning styles

* Different communication patterns

* Sensory sensitivities

* Deep focus on specific interests

* Strong creativity or pattern recognition

Recognising Neurodivergent child

COMMUNICATION & SOCIAL SKILLS :

Delayed speech or unusual speech pattern

Repeats words or phrase

Limited eye contact

Difficulty understanding social rule

Prefers playing alone

BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS:

Repetitive actions (hand flapping,rocking,spinning objects)

Upset in small changes in routines

Intense focus on one interest (numbers, trains, letters,) Appears 'in their own world"at times

SENSORY SENSTIVITIES:

Over reacts to loud sounds ,lights,textures or smells

Dislikes certain clothes,foods,or being touched

Seeks sensory input (jumping, spinning, chewing objects)

Learning Styles differences :

May be very good at some things but struggles in others

Difficulty in reading,writing,or following instructions

EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION :

Meltsdown instead of typical tantrums

Trouble expressing feelings with words

Appears emotionally younger than age

Ayurveda does not use the term neurodivergent, but recognizes differences in mind, learning, behavior, and intelligence as part of natural variation in Prakriti (constitution) and Manas (mind).

Neurodivergent children often show:

* Vata predominance -restlessness, hyperactivity, irregular routines

* Rajas-Tamas imbalance- emotional instability, withdrawal, or overactivity

* Manovaha Srotas Dushti - disturbances in the mental channels affecting cognition, speech, and perception

How Ayurveda Understands Neurodivergence

Ayurveda explains differences in brain and mind through

Prakriti (Individual Constitution)

* Every child is born with a unique Sharira Prakriti (body) and Manasa Prakriti

* Some minds are more:

* Vata-dominant-creative, fast, sensitive, irregular

* Pitta-dominant-intense, sharp, reactive

* Kapha-dominant-calm, slow, withdra

Neurodivergent children are often Vata-predominant or have Vata imbalance.

Manovaha Srotas (Channels of the Mind)

* Neurodivergence is linked to functional variation or disturbance in these channels

* Affects:

* Cognition

* Speech

* Sensory processing

* Emotional regulation

Guna Theory (Mental Qualities)

The mind is governed by three gunas

Satwa : excess satwa leads to clarity and balance

Rajas: Restlessness,hyperactivity

Tamas: Inertia,withdrawl

Neurodivergence is often associated with Rajas-Tamas dominance, not absence of intelligence

Causes According to Ayurveda (Nidana)

Prenatal (Garbhai) Beeja Dushti (genetic/congenital factors) o Maternal stress, diet, illness Postnatal Agni imbalance-Ama- Improper diet & routine- Sensory overload or trauma

Key principles

* Vata Shamana (calming the nervous system)

* Medhya Rasayana (brain-nourishing herbs)

* Satvavajaya Chikitsa (behavioral & emotional support)

* Commonly used approaches

* Abhyanga (oil massage)

* Nasya (age-appropriate)

* Shiro Pichu / Shirodhara (selected cases)

* Diet: warm, nourishing, routine-based

Common medications

SWARNPRASHAN enhances cognitive functions,memory and immunity

Medhya Churna / Rasayana Churna

* Combination of Brahmi, Shankhapushpi, Mandukaparni, and Guduchi

* Improves memory, attention, and cognition Brahmi Ghrita / Medhya Ghrita

* Ghee-based preparation with Brahmi, Shankhapushpi

* Used for improving intellect and calming hyperactivity Swarnaprashana (Gold-based Rasayana)

* Supports immunity, intelligence, and overall development Ashwagandha Churna / Ghrita

* Supports stress management, sleep, and nervous system

* Bala Rasayana / Chyawanprash (Children's Form)

* Supports overall immunity, growth, and brain development

Conclusion

Life of a Neurodivergent child is not less .With patience ,support and acceptance they navigate challenges and contribute uniquely to the world

(The author is (Prof. & HOD) Govt. Ayurvedic College, Akhnoor)