Dr. Deepthi Balakrishnan
Professor, Department of Kaumarabhritya (Pediatrics),
Amrita School of Ayurveda
Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. Neurobehavioural disorders often present unique challenges for children and their families, affecting development, learning, communication, behaviour, and overall quality of life. Ayurveda, with its holistic approach, offers supportive and individualized care aimed at enhancing the child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
As the Head of the Department of Kaumarabhritya (Ayurvedic Pediatrics) at Amrita School of Ayurveda, I have been privileged to dedicate my professional life to the care of children with complex neurological and developmental disorders. Having completed my BAMS in 2003 and with over two decades of extensive clinical experience, I have treated a wide spectrum of paediatric conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Epilepsy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA – gene positive), Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Global Developmental Delay, Learning Disabilities, and recurrent respiratory illnesses, among many others.
Throughout my clinical journey, I have witnessed the remarkable resilience of children and the unwavering dedication of their families. Every child has a unique story, and my treatment philosophy has always been centred on understanding the individual rather than merely addressing the diagnosis. By integrating classical Ayurvedic principles with personalized treatment plans, I have worked towards improving functional abilities, supporting developmental milestones, and enhancing the overall quality of life of these children.
One of the most inspiring experiences in my practice has been caring for a child diagnosed with gene-positive Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), who was initially given a very poor prognosis. With consistent Ayurvedic management, dedicated family support, and longterm follow-up, the child has continued to progress and has been visiting me regularly with his parents for the past ten years. Such journeys reinforce the importance of comprehensive, compassionate, and sustained care. Similarly, I have managed numerous children with epilepsy, where Ayurvedic interventions have contributed to reducing the frequency and severity of seizures while supporting cognitive and neurological well-being. In children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, treatment has focused on improving cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, social interaction, communication, and adaptive behaviour, leading to meaningful improvements in their quality of life.
For children with ADHD and learning disabilities, Ayurvedic therapies have helped improve attention span, memory, concentration, learning abilities, and behavioural control. Many children have shown reduced hyperactivity, enhanced academic performance, and better emotional balance through individualized treatment and continuous follow-up.
At Amrita School of Ayurveda, these specialized Ayurvedic services are now available for children with neurobehavioural and developmental disorders. Our approach combines authentic Ayurvedic medicines, appropriate Panchakarma procedures , dietary guidance, lifestyle modifications, and family counselling to provide comprehensive care tailored to each child’s needs.
While every child responds differently and treatment outcomes vary from individual to individual, our commitment remains the same, To provide compassionate, evidenceinformed Ayurvedic care that supports each child’s journey towards achieving their fullest potential.
We warmly welcome parents seeking holistic support for their children. Together, let us work towards building healthier futures, nurturing confidence, and helping every child live a life filled with hope, dignity, and possibility.