STEM CELLS FOR AUTISM TREATMENT

ASD: Different doesn't mean “Less”

Autism Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term used for a group of multifactorial, progressive neurodevelopmental problems. Children with ASD display diverse degrees of behavioral issues, intellectual levels, and functional disabilities. ASD in its severe form is considered a chronic disorder, compromising the full potential of an individual due to challenges in sensory processing and integration. Sensory integration is a process in which information from the surroundings is picked up through the sense organs, and is passed to the nervous system to generate an appropriate response or stimuli. Children with sensory issues may experience difficulty in receiving, processing, and responding to the information; leading to avoidance, inattention, withdrawal, and negative behavior. The severity metrics are determined by the American Psychiatric Association in the year 2012 and are described in the proposed text of DSM 5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, 2013).
Based on the same, the ASD is further categorized in three severity levels:

Level 1: Requiring Support

Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support

Level 3: Requiring very substantial support

Understanding these levels, and symptoms associated with the same is very helpful in early confirmation of ASD and quicker intervention.

During the past couple of years especially in the post-COVID era, ASD incidence has markedly raised 10-17% each year, currently affecting 1 in every 54 children from developed countries. Statistics also suggest that the majority of the reported ASD cases are males, raising concerns in the scientific and medical community. Despite this, a growing number of studies are pinpointing neuroinflammation as a pivotal contributor involved in the pathogenesis of ASD, due to the activation and proliferation of microglia and astrocytes in the CNS.

Despite the extensive research investigating the pathophysiology and exploring definitive biomarkers for the targeted approach, conventional treatments still fail to effectively manage ASD. However, the discovery of stem cells for autism spectrum disorder has highlighted the potential for regulating neuroinflammation through targeted cellular deliveries, emerging as novel yet effective therapeutic strategies.

Diagnostic Biomarker for Early Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children

Generally, the diagnosis of ASD begins with voicing concerns to the child’s pediatrician or primary care family physician; who may then conduct a short autism-based screening. The screening process indicates an autism-related possibility, he may further be referred to an autism specialist. In any case, through conventional diagnostics, a child cannot be diagnosed until he is at least a year old. This further necessitates the demand for early detection and intervention, helping children to develop skills and strategies for holistic growth and development. Also, subjective diagnostic representations, based on general symptoms is a major bottleneck, leading to the possibility of over and/or underdiagnosis of autism. This further warrants the need for accuracy with the help of automated diagnostic tools.

Thus, in the current age of AI, Machine Learning, and advanced screening technologies; various methods are now available for early and accurate diagnosis.

• Genetic Analysis:The Chromosomal Microarray (CMA) is a kind of advanced, first-tier prenatal genetic testing available to identify large variants associated with ASD. The technology helps to screen DNA of developing foetus for genetic abnormalities. The American Academy of Paediatrics and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics both are recommending CMA along with syndromic autism NGS panel testing for diagnostic accuracy.
• Imaging Techniques: The structural and functional abnormalities in the developing brain can be detected at an early stage during fetal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hence, these techniques can be used as a reference tool, which can provide valuable insights on developing brain. Moreover, other advanced imaging techniques like Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) also are developed to understand the differences in neuronal connectivity and brain activity.
• AI and Machine Learning: Recent integration of AI and machine learning in diagnostics has led to the development of non-invasive means of autism diagnosis with the help of 100% accuracy. The human eye is supported with retina and the optic nerve, both of which are further connected to the optic disc. Interestingly, the optic disc is identified as the opening of the central nervous system further enhancing the accessibility of brain related information, with the help of an AI algorithm. The studies at various locations and by different teams have confirmed promising performance potential in differentiating retinal alterations between children with ASD and children with neurotypical development.
• Microbial signatures in human gut:Various advanced studies on gut-brain axis revealed the presence of millions of nerve cells, forming an extensive network called the Enteric Nervous System. The human brain is considered to be a second brain influencing our emotional quotient, as around 90% of the neurotransmitters are produced in the gut.

Early Signs & Symptoms of Autism

The symptoms of ASD can vary widely, but there are some common signs and symptoms that can be noticed in children as young as 12-18 months are:

• Lack of social interactions:Children with ASD may not respond to their names, avoid eye contact, or may not be engaged in any activities such as peek-a-boo
• Delayed language development: Autistic children may have delayed speech development.They may also find it very difficult to understand nonverbal cues, facial expressions, and gestures or may not be expressing any emotions.
• Repetitive behaviors: Children with ASD may get engaged in repetitive activities like hand-flapping, rocking back and forth, spinning objects, etc. They may get attracted towards objects of specific shapes like bottles; and may have difficulty in shifting their attention to other things.
• Sensory Sensitivities: ASD affected children may be overly sensitive to sensory input, such as sound, light, textures, and smells. They may get aggressive and/or self-destructive over harsh sounds and loud music, etc

What Are the Available Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders?

It is very important to note that as per recent confirmation of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, 5th Edition (DSM, 5); which is the standard reference used by a healthcare professional for diagnosing the mental disorder, no longer distinguishes between different types of ASD. Instead, all children with ASD are now diagnosed with a single condition with varying levels of severity.

However, there are some variations of ASD that are still recognized and studied worldwide, such as:

• Mild Autism: Although, mild autism is not a clinically used term; some individuals with mild autism generally display milder symptoms yet be able to function relatively independently.
• Rett Syndrome: A  rare form of ASD , primarily affecting girls, and is characterized by normal development until around 6 months to 18 months, followed by sudden, rapid loss of communication, social interaction, and  motor functions . Studies have confirmed that Rett Syndrome is generally associated with changes in epigenetic signatures during fetal development and/or sudden environmental trauma.
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: This is a rare yet severe form of ASD, wherein children follow normal development patterns until around 2 to 3 years of age; and suddenly lose previously acquired skills in communication, social interaction, attention span,  behavioral  aspects, etc.
• Asperger’s syndrome: It is a milder form of autism, often associated with high-functioning autism. Children with  Asperger’s syndrome  may have difficulty with social interaction and communication. Interestingly, these children may display normal intelligence and language skills.

What Causes Autism?

While the exact cause of autism spectrum disorder is yet to be fully understood, clinical research and studies have confirmed various genetic as well as environmental factors to be responsible for autism. Some of the known risk factors for ASD are:

• Environmental damage like  lead poisoning , hypoxia during the prenatal period, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, etc. are associated with an increased risk of ASD.
• Studies have confirmed that autism tends to run in families, in fact, several genes and epigenetic changes are studied to be responsible for increased risk and susceptibility.
• Immune system also plays a very important role in the development of Autism. Studies have confirmed that  children with autism  have an increased immune response to pathogenic attacks. At the same time, some clinical trials have also confirmed that maternal immune response, the use of contraceptives, and steroids for a long time by the mother before pregnancy can have a direct impact on a child’s brain development.
• Children born to older parents may have higher chances of developing autism.
• Autism is more common in boys than girls with an estimated suggestion that boys are about four times more vulnerable to environmental damage and more likely to develop ASD.

Recently, due to stressful life, late marriages, wrong  dietary habits, and sedentary lifestyle; the prevalence of autism has been estimated to increase almost five times; confirming around 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with the condition everyday.

What are available treatments for Autism?

When it comes to treating ASD, traditional rehabilitation approaches like  behavior therapy,  speech therapy , and occupational therapy are the standard options available, with an aim to alleviate symptoms. There is as such no definitive cure available for autism spectrum disorder in conventional medicine.

However,  alternative medicine  is a glimmer of hope with the potential to revolutionize the way this condition can be treated. By harnessing the regenerative power of stem cells, it might now be possible to aim to repair damaged  brain cells  and reduce inflammation further leading to functional improvement.

While still in the experimental stage, there have been several clinical as well as preclinical studies completed with encouraging results. Many parents and medical experts have reported positive improvement in the child’s ability to communicate effectively, social interaction, hyperactivity, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is Autism?
• Autism and autism spectrum disorder is a general term used for a group of complex brain developmental disorders. Although case sensitive, autism is characterized in varying degree by difficulties in social interactions, communication associated with the abnormal repetitive behaviour. The disease is as well integrated with the intellectual disabilities, difficulties in motor coordination, attention etc. Many of the diseases, that fall under the same category of autism are classic autism, rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder and Asperger syndrome.
• How soon can you detect Autism?
• The problems associated with the brain in Autistic children, have their roots in early brain development during embryonic stage of life, however the most obvious signs and symptoms of the disease tend to be expressive between 12 to 18 months of age. In fact some infants can even express them very late by the age of two to three years of life.
• How common is Autism?
Autism prevalence has been identified to increase ten folds since past 20 yrs. The centre for disease control has estimated ten millions children to be affected worldwide. Studies have also shown that the disorder is more common in boys as compared to girls. It has also been observed that its prevalence is increasing 10 to 17 % each year. Although there is no established reason for this particular rise of prevalence over the year, but improved diagnosis, diet and environmental influences are the reasons, seemingly responsible for its occurrence.
• What Causes Autism?
• The science has identified rare genetic changes or mutation as responsible factors for this particular conditions. Research has identified more than 100 genes, the expression of which can result in an Autism. Additionally, number of environmental factors are also identified to be increasing the risk of autism. They may include advanced parental age at the time of conception, maternal illness during the pregnancy, extreme prematurity, very low birth weight, certain difficult period of oxygen deprivation to the brain of the baby, during the birth,mothers exposed to high levels of pesticide, air pollution and unusual dietetary habits such as alcoholism, smoking etc. All these factors are influencing the condition.
• What are the common symptoms?
• Although each autistic child is different, they can behave or react with different perspective. Many of them can be exceptionally well in visual skills, music and academic skills. About 40% of them can have hampered intellectual disabilities with their IQ sector less than 70%. About 25% of them have significant disability and are unable to live independently.
• How can it be diagnosed?
• There is no diagnostic test existing to detect the disorder, however scientists are on the verge of detecting it at the earliest with the help of advanced imaging technology and differences in blood levels of proteins. Formal diagnosis can involve parental inputs, structured and systematic screening of instruments measuring the prevalence of symptoms.
• Is there any treatment available?
• There is no fixed protocol of treatment available for the disease, however it is always believed that early intervention allow the best outcome. At present rehabilitative treatment approaches have been identified addressing cognitive and behavioural functioning. They may include a combination of medication, behavioural therapy, psychological education, family support, educational intervention, speech and language therapy etc. These treatments have been proved to be just supplementary without any significant improvements.
• Where can I get more information about Disease?
Please go through, our treatment brochures for other Autism related information.