Early Signs of Autism: What Parents Should Know

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises neurodevelopmental conditions that affect a child’s developmental condition. Indeed, the autistic mind is not compromised, but it’s just different from standard social norms. Being a parent of an autistic child can be overwhelming, but know that you are not alone in the journey. It is very important to understand Early Signs of Autism to gain timely assistance. Explore the details about autism and the best available treatment globally and in India.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition where a child’s brain works differently. The disorder begins in childhood and, with time, can cause functional disability. As per DSM-5-TR, ASD leads to differences in brain processing and affects skills like communication, social interactions, eye contact, and body language.

Some critical aspects about ASD:

ASD isn’t a Disease: For an autistic child, the care must focus on strengthening the child’s problem that the child faces
Autism is a Spectrum: Autistic children might lack social or communication disabilities, but might excel in other skills. It is essential to detect their strengths and support them.
Autism is Neurodivergent: Autistic children have a wide range of personality traits. This means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to support the child.
Autism Myths: Autism has been subjected to several myths. However, at present, the therapies know how to support the skills of autistic children and mold their personalities.

Early Signs of Autism

Children with ASD majorly fall under two major categories. The Early Signs of Autism includes:

Difficulties with Social Communication & Interactions

No response to name, ignorant of calls
Prefer playing alone, don’t want to be cuddled or held
Maintain poor eye contact or lack of facial expression
Difficulty in beginning a conversation
Speak in an unusual tone, often repeat words, don’t show emotion
Shows passive-aggressive and disruptive behaviour

Behaviour Patterns

Repetitive behaviour like rocking, hand-flapping, etc.
Activities like head-banging or biting that cause injury to themselves
Follows specific routines, becomes upsets with more minor changes
Poor coordination, clumsy and moves in unusual patterns
Sensitive to light, loud sound or touch
Show the problem with eating

Causes of Autism

The exact cause is unknown. The complexity lies between:

Genetic Causes: There are several genes involved in autism. Children develop the problem due to any of the causes. E.g., Rett syndrome, X syndrome, and genetic mutation
Environmental Causes: Factors like medications, viral infection, pregnancy complications, certain air pollutants or allergens

Risk Factors of Developing Autism

Children’s sex, boys are four times more likely to develop autism
Family history
Medical conditions or specific genetic diseases
Early birth or complication during pregnancy

Goals of Autism Treatment: Beyond Symptom Control

Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder involves facilitating core management. This involves:

Improving communication, social skills, behavior, and daily functioning of the child
Enhancing independence and quality of life
Developing family-centered and personalized care plans

Most Effective Autism Treatment: Evidence-Based Therapies

Behavioral Interventions

Programs focus on reducing behavioral problems
Teach new skills
Teach how to act in social situations or communicate effectively

Educational Interventions

Better response to well-structured educational modules
Involves a specialist to improve skills, e.g., communication, social skills, behaviour
Facilitating individualized behaviour treatment

Speech and Language Therapy

Improve communication skills
Focus on verbal and non-verbal communication skills
Visual supports, social stories, and focus on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) skills

Occupational and Sensory Integration Therapy

Learn processing sensory information (movement, touch, sound)
Structured play manages sensitivities
Simple play improves fine and gross motor functioning

Medications

Not recommended, no specific medication
Prescribed to control specific symptoms (hyperactivity, antipsychotics, antidepressants)

*NOTE: The current treatment regime focuses on symptom management and strengths child’s skills. None of the treatment provide permanent solution

Stem Cell Transplant for Autism: Emerging Evidence-Based Research

Stem cell transplant for autism focuses on a regenerative approach. The idea is to regenerate damaged functional neural cells. The research supports evidence of reducing inflammation and immunomodulation.

What Does Current Research Say?

Joanne Kurtzberg, Duke University:

Undertook more than 100 cord blood transplantations
Improvement in the cognitive function of children
Multiple clinical trials are ongoing [NCT04089579, NCT04294290, NCT03327467], with significant improvement in the cognitive function of the children in comparison with the control group

Treating autism with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs):

Umbilical cord-derived MSCs reduced inflammation
Modulates immune function
Excellent safety records

Steps Involved in a Stem Cell Transplant for Autism

Currently, there are no established guidelines for Stem Cell Transplant for Autism. This means the steps can vary across the clinics. The treatment steps involve:

Patient’s Assessment: Before the therapy patient is thoroughly assessed, consider medical history. The test includes blood tests, physical checkups, etc.
Harvesting, Isolation, and Culture: the source of stem cells is determined and isolated. Stem cells are cultured in controlled laboratory conditions for a few weeks.
Administration: Stem cells are administered in the vein or spinal canal. Local anesthesia is given to avoid the sensation of pain.
Follow-ups: Patient’s condition improvement is tracked. Clinician follow-ups in due time to check the improvement.

Current Limitations

Lack of strong evidence based on long-term clinical trials
Lack of standardized protocol
Maintaining the quality of the stem cells in every batch
Ethical concerns involved in commercialization includes source of isolation
High cost and complexity in the process
Determination of long-term safety profile

Best Treatment for Autism in India: Current Care Pathways

India holds a recognizable position in delivering adequate autism care. This involves the presence of:

Advanced diagnostic centers and therapy services
Multidisciplinary team in autism care centers
India is the topmost global choice for stem cell therapy in autism
Presence of world-class infrastructure, patient support and experienced clinicians to administer stem cell transplantation for autism
Popular choice for medical tourism
Provide a competitive cost

*Advancells, India is among the well-recognised laboratories working on stem-cell research for autism. The quality of the stem cells used are of superior quality. The source of isolation, isolation procedure and culture conditions are well maintained.

Autism Sclerosis Patient Success Stories

Conclusion

The future of autism is moving towards more personalized treatment options and personalized models of care. ASD is not curable in neuroscience. The advances in regenerative technologies are paving new ways and combating key challenges. Emerging research with regenerative technology modulates the immune system, neural connectivity and regeneration of neural cells. In the future, large-scale evidence for clinical trials is required to establish its long-term safety.

FAQ’s

Q- Can Autism Be Cured? What are the Early Signs of Autism?

Currently, there is no cure for autism. This is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. Early diagnosis and optimal treatment support can help children improve skills, manage their symptoms, and develop strength. Early Signs of Autism involves difficulty in developmental process; e.g. motor function, speech, problem with social interaction, communication

Q- How Early Should Treatment Begin for Autism?

Parents must opt for early treatment for their autistic child. Opting for treatment in the first few months (18-24 months) significantly improves a child’s communication and social skills.

Q- Are Emerging Stem Cell Therapies for Autism Safe?

There is no known significant adversity reported with stem cell transplantation for autism. The study has proven the safety of using MSCs in the stem cell therapy of autism. However, long-term clinical trials to determine the safety profile are evident.

Q- How to Choose the Right Treatment Approach for Autism?

The key is to understand autism and the special behaviour of your child. Consult experienced clinicians and develop open communication related to the treatment, expectations, and cost involved. Parents must discuss the possible side effects of the treatment.

Early Signs of Autism, Current Options And Emerging Therapies

Introduction