Stem cells are cells that have the ability to develop into any type of cell in the body, and this is responsible for the regenerative capacity of stem cells to repair, restore, and replace damaged cells. Stem cell research in autism involves an approach whereby mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used to trigger a natural reparative process. Stem cell studies have shown that stem cells can be used to aid the body, to slow down and regenerate the alterations made in the tissues and nerve cell connections by autism.
This regeneration will therefore improve how these cells are organized to process information.
In this article, you’ll learn how the history of stem cells in autism, how the stem cells are sourced and what hope they hold for children living with autism
How did the use of stem cells in autism start?
Stem cell therapy was first considered to be used in autism, after it was successfully used in cerebral palsy.
In 2005, a research by Duke University showed that stem cell therapy showed significant improvement in children with cerebral palsy. Since autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder like cerebral palsy, affecting cognitive function and leading to other disorders, it was discovered that stem cells might also be useful to patients with autism.
What type of stem cells are used in autism stem cell therapy?
Autism stem cell therapy is done using mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) sourced from umbilical cord (UC) tissue that has been donated after normal, healthy births. These MSCs can improve the overall regulation of the immune system and the neural connectivity in the brain. This is a big plus, because children with autism are more likely to have heightened immune system activity and neuro-inflammation in the brain.
Additionally, these mesenchymal stem cells have also been considered to be “immune privileged”. Being immune privileged means the cells do not trigger the patient’s immune system to recognize them as foreign. So, when MSC from a donor are given to a patient, no testing for donor-patient matching is required. This means the clinic can obtain MSC from unrelated donors and use them to treat all their patients.
Do stem cells cure autism?
In medicine, there are no guarantees, but there’s always room for improvement. Although stem cell is not a magical cure for autism, it offers better outcomes and progress than the existing therapies for autism management
As a parent, your concern is in whatever has the best promise of making life easier for you and your child. This is why following the initial clinical trials on stem cell therapy for autism, published results showed notable improvements on Adaptive behavior and on clinical scales.
How to know if your child is eligible for autism stem cell therapy?
Stem cells are not recommended for all cases of autism. As a parent or someone on the spectrum, it ‘s important to know that not every child with autism is eligible for stem cell therapy. Stem cell therapy is not recommended for your child if the autism is due to a genetic disorder, and if the autism symptoms resulted from a heavy metal poisoning.
How will stem cells improve autism?
There are various cognitive, behavioral, social and metabolic disorders experienced by children living with autism. The severity of these disorders depends on the level of autism your child has and which end of the spectrum your child falls under. These are the various ways stem cells can help to correct the disorders associated with autism.
- Improved cognitive ability: Stem cell therapy can be used to improve cognition by slowing down problems with memory, thinking and speech.
- Improved behavioral and social skills: stem cells can reduce the anxiety caused by social interaction, thereby reducing social and behavioral challenges by improving social interaction.
- Reduced metabolic disorders: stem cells can reduce metabolic disorders by improving mood, sleep disorders, and slowing down digestive issues.
Where can you get stem cell therapy for autism?
One of the concerns about getting stem cell therapy is finding a qualified practitioner. At the cellular hope institute, we have experienced doctors and scientist with 8* years of experience in stem cell research and procedures.
Many parents today are seeking stem cell therapy for autism at the Cellular Hope Institute located in Cancun, Mexico.
The clinic provides therapies using specially screened and processed mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) sourced from umbilical cord (UC) tissue that has been donated after normal, healthy births.
Once accepted and scheduled for treatment, the family travels to Cancun and the clinic provides the stem cells.
Although stem cell therapy is not fully approved by the FDA in the USA, The Cellular Hope Institute clinic and accompanying laboratory in Cancun are fully licensed by the national medical authorities [COFEPRIS] in Mexico, and adhere to international standards.
If you’re considering stem cell therapy for autism, it is important to do a stem cell therapy while your child is still very young and the child’s brain is still developing.
To learn more, contact us.