Snehadhara”: A Decentralized Integrative Public Health Model for the Management of Developmental Disorders in Children through Ayurveda

Abstract

Background: Developmental disorders—including Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability, ADHD, and speech-language impairments—pose a growing challenge in pediatric healthcare. These conditions often necessitate long-term, multidisciplinary care, which remains limited in accessibility and scope, especially in resource-constrained settings.

Objective: To present and evaluate Snehadhara, a decentralized public health initiative delivering integrative Ayurvedic and allied therapies for children with developmental disorders in Kerala, India.

Methods: Launched in 2015 by the Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayat, Snehadhara is implemented by the District Medical Officer (Indian Systems of Medicine) and technically coordinated by the Department of Kaumarabhritya, Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. The program offers cost-free, multidisciplinary care—including Ayurvedic therapies (with Panchakarma), Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, and Psychological support—to children under 12 years. It began as a 20-bed inpatient facility and has expanded into a decentralized model with four satellite centers.

Results: To date, the program has provided over 25,000 outpatient consultations and 1,300 inpatient treatments. Clinical outcomes indicate significant improvements in gross motor function, speech and language development, and adaptive behavior. The initiative has also enhanced early diagnosis, family engagement, and continuity of care.

Conclusion: Snehadhara exemplifies a scalable, cost-effective, and community-anchored model for integrative developmental pediatrics. It highlights the potential of harmonizing traditional Ayurvedic care with modern therapeutic modalities in managing complex pediatric neurodevelopmental conditions within the public health system.