Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) causes difficulty in social interaction and repetitive behaviors. It is diagnosed at an early age in children. With the rising awareness around the subject, research and support services for autistic children have increased. However, autism spectrum disorder, meaning a condition present throughout life, is overlooked. But the issues of autistic adults have not received much attention. It has led to a lack of proper diagnosis and relevant services for such individuals. As a result, many autistic adults live a life of self-isolation and poor mental well-being.
The scientific community understands the ramifications of the disorder. Therefore, research on its risk factors, biological mechanisms, and treatment has grown. The treatment aspect has gained some ground with regard to innovative Stem Cell Therapy. It is way ahead of other approaches for transforming the lives of patients.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms in Adults
The presentation of autism in adulthood might not be as pronounced as in children. Individuals often develop strategies to navigate around their symptoms. Symptoms and the course of the disorder vary between individuals, requiring different levels of support. Still, the following symptoms can help identify the disorder in adults:
Social Interaction and Communication
- Difficulty striking up a conversation or participating in one
- Having trouble making and keeping friends
- Unwilling to look someone in the eye
- Trouble in understanding nonverbal clues, such as idioms or sarcasm
- Difficulty interpreting body language, tone of speech, or facial emotions.
- Discomfort and social anxiety in social situations
Behaviors
- Strong adherence to routines or getting disturbed due to an unexpected change.
- Intense focus on narrow topics of interest.
- Sensory sensitivities include hyper-reactivity to sounds, lights, textures, or smells.
- Difficulty in planning, organizing, or managing daily activities.
Other behaviors, like difficulty in holding a job or a relationship, also suggest autism. Autistic individuals often suffer from mental health conditions, such as anxiety, self-harm, depression, etc. It is even higher in adults with an undiagnosed disorder. Furthermore, adults might also show symptoms of impaired physical health, such as sleep disorders, immune dysfunction, gastrointestinal issues, seizures, etc. Studies have inferred that young adults with autism are more prone to issues like hypertension and obesity that could develop into diabetes and cardiovascular complications in the future.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
Autism in adults, including teenagers, may or may not be diagnosed in childhood. Although Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms are present in adults, they often mask them, making it difficult to recognize the condition in them. This is particularly true for females and individuals who can function independently. Studies have suggested that gender-specific differences in neurobiology and symptoms might have resulted in higher diagnosis of autism in males.
As adults, our everyday interaction shapes our professional and personal lives. Therefore, autistic adults face challenges on a daily basis. The struggle is even more intense for undiagnosed individuals who cannot understand the root causes and become self-critical, stressing themselves even more. Therefore, the diagnosis of autism in adults is essential for self-understanding and seeking proper treatment. Awareness regarding these conditions in adulthood can encourage more people to undergo a diagnostic procedure.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment
Several rehabilitative therapies have been developed to manage daily functioning for autistic adults. These autism spectrum disorder treatments are evidence-based, tailored to individual needs to maximize treatment benefits.
- Behavioral Therapy: It aims to change patients’ behaviors and inculcate desired responses. It primarily includes applied behavior analysis (ABA).
- Speech and Language Therapy: It improves the understanding and use of language and speech to promote practical communication skills.
- Occupational Therapy: It reduces reliance on others and promotes functional independence regarding daily life skills such as dressing, bathing, eating, etc. It includes sensory integration therapy to improve reactions to sensory signals and physical therapy to work on body movements.
- Medications: They may be prescribed for symptoms such as severe anxiety, depression, or irritability, especially when other interventions are insufficient.
Moreover, CBT can manage mental health issues, vocational skill training offers employment support, and dietary interventions can aid in reducing physical health issues.
Regenerative Medicine
The treatment modalities for autism improve the skill set for independent living. However, they do not address the underlying biological pathways of autism. This has propelled research on regenerative medicine, which focuses on in-depth repair rather than treating symptoms. Amid the ongoing research, stem cell therapy has shown the most potential by acting on different mechanisms of the disorder.
- Neural Regeneration: Stem cells promote the formation of more neural cells from their progenitors, organizing neural circuits and supporting brain recovery.
- Neuroprotection: Stem cells are known to secrete growth factors that protect neural cells and prolong their survival.
- Inflammation: Scientists have found chronic inflammation in the autistic brain, which further damages the tissue. Stem cells not only alleviate this process but also balance the immune response to favor healing processes.
- Blood Supply: Stem cells also stimulate blood vessel formation, resulting in proper flow of nutrients and oxygen in the brain.
Scientists have employed mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the umbilical cord to evaluate their effectiveness. Stem cell treatment for autism has led to noteworthy improvements in patients, such as a decrease in the severity of autism, improvements in social behavior, and better movement. These positive outcomes indicate the benefits of stem cells for autism treatment.
Safety of Stem Cell Treatment
Despite its benefits, stem cell therapy is not yet approved because it lacks standard treatment protocols, long-term safety studies, and large-scale assessments. However, early research and clinical trials have reported no side effects from the therapy. With continuous efforts in the field, stem cell therapy might soon be approved for standard use. For instance, Biostar Stem Cell Technology Research Institute in Korea has approved its stem cell treatment for autism within the country.
However, one should be cautious while considering the therapy. One should always seek reputable clinics and discuss the details thoroughly with the doctor. Treatment outcomes vary between individuals, so avoid falling for fake promises of guaranteed results. Additionally, never forget that stem cell therapy is a component of a larger strategy. Therefore, it is not appropriate to discontinue rehabilitation therapies.
Future Perspectives
The understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults has prompted more research in this area. It will eventually result in better diagnostic criteria and an increase in services for autistic adults. Studies on stem cell therapy for autism are in full swing and will become the standard treatment for autism. Although stem cells do not provide a cure, they do offer healing that manifests as visible improvements. Advancells offers the premium quality, thoroughly tested stem cells to nurture the stem cell research and therapy for autism.
FAQ’s
Q- What are the common symptoms of autism in adults?
Adults with autism may have difficulties in social communication, such as trouble starting or maintaining conversations, interpreting body language, or understanding sarcasm. It makes it difficult for them to sustain a job or relationships. They may also display behaviors like strict adherence to routines, intense focus on specific interests, sensory sensitivities, and challenges in organizing daily tasks.
Q- Why is autism often undiagnosed in adults?
Autism in adults can remain undiagnosed because many individuals learn to mask or compensate for their symptoms over time. Those who function independently or women, whose symptoms may present differently, are often overlooked.
Q- What treatments are available for adults with autism?
Treatment for adults with autism is tailored to individual needs. Options include behavioral therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, medications for co-occurring issues like anxiety or depression, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), vocational training, and dietary interventions.
Q- Is stem cell therapy safe and effective for autism?
According to preliminary research, stem cell therapy improves blood flow, promotes neuronal regeneration, and lessens brain inflammation, which may improve social behavior and lessen the severity of autism. The treatment is not yet approved worldwide. But clinical trials have shown absence of serious complications. Patients should carefully consult medical professionals and avoid unverified clinics or guaranteed-result claims.
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