Can Stem Cell Therapy Manage Autism?

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders because of their multifactorial nature. Autism is the most prevalent ASD. According to Statista –The Statistic portal, the U.S. was estimated to have the highest rate of autism with approximately 168 children per 10,000 with the disorder. Autism is characterized by two core symptoms: The first one is marked abnormalities in social interaction, impaired verbal and nonverbal communication, and second situation is repetitive, obsessive behavior. Apart from core symptoms, autism is also triggered by associated symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, aggression, compulsions, mood lability, gastrointestinal issues, depression, and sleep disorders. Two common consistent findings are associated in children with this disorder are diminished oxygenation in specific areas of the brain and a chronic immunologically mediated inflammatory condition in the gut.

Autism treatment requires Variable and multimodal approach although no clear golden standard approach exists. Conventional treatment strategies use behavioral, nutritional and medical approaches. Unfortunately, none of these approaches address the root causes of oxygen deprivation and intestinal inflammation.

Can Stem Cells Be Used for Autism Treatment?

Various investigations done so far at every nook and corner of the world, have confirmed that Stem cell therapy has shown promising results in various childhood neurological indications like Autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability and is characterized mainly with impaired social and verbal interactions. Studies have proven that mesenchymal stem cells isolated from various potent sources of our body such as fat, bone marrow or from fetal umbilical cord matrix are prone to be differentiated into cells of different lineages.

The symptomatic expression appears early in childhood; however, in some cases, they may appear late.

Stem cell therapy could be used to treat autism and the steps involved are:

1. Checking if the person is qualified for a treatment or not.
2. Extraction of stem cells from sources mostly from bone marrow or adipose tissues
3. Processing of the stem cells in the laboratory
4. Implantation of the stem cells into the patient

For stem cell treatment minimum 5 days hospitalization is needed which involves involves a physical examination and blood testing on Day 1, followed by intravenous infusions of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on Days 2-5. Stem cell transplant is one time procedure.

Stem Cell Therapy Result in Autism Patient

Stem cell therapy has shown great potential for treating ASDs. Fetal stem cells, Mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem cells, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid-derived stem cells and Induced pluripotent stem cells can be used for treatment of autism. The combination of CD34+ and mesenchymal stem cells has shown to induce synergistic effects in neurological disorders. Various medical reports suggests that after stem cell therapy patients have shown  improvements in eye coordination, writing, balancing, cognition, and speech and showed reduced hypersensitivity to noises and smells. The redesign of brain architecture, generated from reprogrammed somatic cells isolated from living patients, reverses or ameliorates the symptoms of disorder.

Stem cell therapy can cure autism with success rate of 90%-92% is considered as one of the most powerful treatment method for autism. In conclusion stem cell therapy may be safe and effective treatment for autism patients.