Most Effective Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder in India

Autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is characterized by hallmark features of altered communication, social interaction, and repetitive features. It alters a person’s capacity for effective communication and interaction. 

Globally, around 61.8 million have been affected by ASD. According to the CDC, almost one child in every 31 bears the consequences of ASD. 

This blog aims to provide a comprehensive outline of the most effective Autism Spectrum Disorder treatment and other interventions for autism spectrum disorder. 

A multidisciplinary approach involving early screening and diagnosis is crucial in curbing ASD. 

Treatment strategies for Autism Spectrum Disorder

The answer to the question, What treatment is best for Autism, is up for debate. Numerous treatment interventions have been demonstrated to be beneficial in treating ASD, and because of the complex nature of Autism, a multidisciplinary team is required for implementing such strategies. 

Applied Behavioral Analysis

It is a set of principles based on the science of learning and behavior that aims to improve behavior. ABA trains the autistic child in skills needed to improve social behavior, leading to improved behavior. Such skills result in a child’s development. The examples of ABA skill training programs are incidental teaching and discrete trial training. 

Speech-Language therapy

This intervention aids children suffering from difficulty in communicating effectively. The techniques, such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), help improve speech.  

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology supports regular speech and ensures that patients develop effective communication. It aims to communicate the required message. The AAC devices incorporate two sets of actions, i.e., prediction and voice recognition. AAC devices aid in improving interaction. 

Verbal instructions and commands help in easing out the vocal action. For a predictive set of actions, a programmed algorithm suggests words or phrases after identifying the objective of the input. This technique helps patients with difficulty typing or selecting symbols. 

With the help of technological interventions, communicating thoughts and maintaining social interactions has become extremely easy, and it is helpful in children facing difficulties in social interactions. 

Occupational therapy

The occupational therapy aims to encourage engagement and participation. This therapy incorporates sensory integration in order to strengthen the motor skills, social communication, attention, and behavior. The therapist develops personalized games and activities depending on the child’s needs to develop an adaptive behavior.  

Nutritional supplements

Vitamin supplements and dietary modifications play a significant role in improving the autistic state. For example, vitamin A reduces the enhanced 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in Autism, and the addition of probiotics reduces gastrointestinal symptoms. According to a study by El-Rashidy et al., incorporation of a ketogenic diet showed significant improvement in the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). 

Pharmacological/Medical intervention

Pharmacological drugs or agents reduce signs and symptoms in ASD. Clinicians recommend medications such as antipsychotics and SSRIs to reduce agitation, anxiety, and repetitive behaviors. Other agents reduce insomnia, improve cognition, and brain functions. 

Virtual Reality (VR) Incorporation

VRESS is VR training software that incorporates social situations to give ASD patients a virtual depiction and explanation of the activities to anticipate and prepare them according to the situation, as well as to identify the root cause of the matter. 

Stem cell therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism, a neurological disorder, shows limited neurogenesis. Therefore, stem cells, with their regenerative potential, have shown great promise in the treatment of Autism spectrum disorder. 

The underlying mechanism of stem cells in ASD begins with differentiation and proliferation into specialized types of cells and the exertion of paracrine effects. Stem cells repair and restore damaged tissue by releasing growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. Stem cells exert an immunomodulatory effect by increasing IL-10 anti-inflammatory levels and decreasing Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). 

They also exhibit neuroprotection by releasing factors such as Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), hepatocyte growth factor, VEGF, and nerve growth factor. Stem cells also enhance synaptic plasticity in addition to neuroprotection and promote synaptogenesis. 

Outcomes following stem cell therapy

1. Enhanced social and communication skills. 
2. Decreased sensory integration skills. 
3. Enhanced motor skills. 
4. Restoration of reflexes. 
5. Decreased emotional sensitivity. 
6. Delayed disease progression. 

What aspects make stem cell therapy better than conventional therapies? 

Stem cells have a unique potential to regenerate the damaged tissue, a characteristic feature lacking in other therapeutic approaches. 

1. While conventional treatment strategies merely relieve the symptoms, stem cell therapy targets the underlying disease cause. 
2. Availability of personalization depending on the patient’s condition and needs. 
3. The procedure for implantation of stem cells is minimally invasive, and recovery is quick. 
4. Potential ability to treat conditions that are otherwise not curable. 

Perks of stem cell therapy in Autism

1. Reduced neuroinflammation: Enhancement of social behavior, communication and interaction. 
2. Enhanced immunity: Restoration of immune balance. 
3. Increased brain functions: Improvement in concentration, attention, and cognition. 
4. Enhanced neural growth and repair: Increase in memory, Intelligence quotient (IQ) and neural functions. 

Incorporation of AI technologies in the assistance of Autism Spectrum Disorder

AI programs and algorithms play an important role in managing ASD. Augmented reality (AR), wearable, and other set of programs enhance monitoring and personalizing treatment. Some of the examples of AI programs are: 

1. The use of NAO robots as an adjunct therapy helps teach patients coping skills and improve social interactions. Additionally, the robot also has speech and emotional recognition characteristics, which improve patient participation. 
2. Programs such as TailoredRx AI help in customizing treatment plans according to the individual needs, and TalkEase Bot provides emotional support, teaches interaction and enhances life skills training. 
3. Incorporation of such AI technology not only improves patient interaction and social skills but also provides data that helps in real-time monitoring and implementing intervention strategies. 
4. In autistic children, to enhance social skills and interaction abilities, educational programs such as Social Mind Autism incorporate role-play and game concepts. 

Clinical trials on stem cells in Autism Spectrum Disorder 

Clinical trials ascertain and validate the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy in ASD. Several clinical trial studies have illustrated the safety and effectiveness. 

1. A study by Sharma et al. reported improvement in cognition and social skills and was found to be safe and effective with fewer adverse events. 
2. A phase I/II trial by Lv et al. revealed improvement in behavior and social responses and reported no adverse events. 
3. Another study by Nguyen Thanh et al. suggested that stem cells in combination with behavioral intervention were well tolerated and safe in autistic children. 
4. According to Dawson’s study, the stem cell implantation was well tolerated, and there were no reported serious adverse events. 

Autism Patient Success Stories

Conclusion

Stem cells have redefined the treatment of Autism spectrum disorder since they offer innovative solutions in the field of regenerative medicine. The blooming potential of stem cells to repair and regenerate the damaged tissue and address the root cause distinguishes it from other sets of therapies, and it has the ability to make a mark as the best treatment for Autism. Therefore, with continued research and advancements, stem cell therapy is on the path to establishing itself as the best Autism treatment. 

FAQs

Q: Define Autism.

Autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is characterized by hallmark features of altered communication, social interaction and repetitive features. It alters a person’s capacity for effective communication and interaction. 

Q: How do stem cells act in Autism?

The underlying mechanism of stem cells in ASD begins with differentiation and proliferation into specialized types of cells and the exertion of paracrine effects. Stem cells repair and restore damaged tissue by releasing growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. Stem cells exert an immunomodulatory effect by increasing IL-10 and decreasing TNF-α. 

Q: What are the perks of stem cell therapy in ASD?

The perks of stem cells are reduced neuroinflammation, enhanced immunity, enhanced brain functions, and enhanced neural growth and repair. 

Q: What is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy?

ABA therapy trains the autistic child in the skills needed to improve social behavior, leading to improved behavior. Such skills result in a child’s development. The examples of ABA skill training programs are incidental teaching and discrete trial training.