Autism (autism spectrum disorders, ASD) is a group of congenital conditions associated with impaired development of social skills, adaptation, behavior, mental disorders, and sometimes also mental retardation. The cause of the neurological disease is unknown and there are no curative treatment methods. New therapeutic approaches are constantly being developed and researched to improve current outcomes. Stem cell for autism treatment is used along with other methods. This therapeutic approach shows good results in clinical trials. The effect of stem cell therapy is thought to be related to partial repair of damaged areas of the nervous system.
How are stem cells used?
Stem cells (SCs) are used in autism treatment in addition to standard methods to achieve better results. They are used in parallel with behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, environmental therapy, speech therapy, etc.
SCs used in the treatment of autism may be of different origins and types. Mesenchymal SCs are the most commonly used. They are the easiest to collect, are safe, and have significant potential to mature into specialized cell types.
SCs are collected from the patient’s own body. Blood is considered to be the main source. SCs are harvested from the blood using a special machine through which the blood passes for several hours. If there are not enough cells, the procedure can be repeated the next day.
Bone marrow stroma is a less common source of mesenchymal SCs. However, this cell harvesting procedure is traumatic and performed under general anesthesia.
The resulting SCs can be injected into the body in a variety of ways. Intrathecal injections are often used for autism and other neurological disorders. A doctor makes a puncture in the lower back to inject the SCs into the cerebrospinal fluid, which allows them to reach the brain in greater quantities.
SCs can also be administered intravenously. However, in this case, fewer cells will reach the central nervous system because its bloodstream is separated from the rest of the circulatory system by the blood-brain barrier. Patients with autism still benefit from intravenous administration because SCs not only replace defects in the brain, but also secrete signaling molecules that are growth factors for stimulating tissue regeneration. These molecules easily cross the blood-brain barrier.
Treatment results
Most clinical trials show good results with SCs. It is likely that patients who wish to take advantage of this innovative treatment option can expect the following effects:
- Enhancement of neurogenesis
- Improvement in brain function, including cognition
- Normalization of adaptive behavior
- Reduction in the risk of mental retardation
- Normalization of the development of socialization skills
Innovations like cell therapy help improve the outcomes of standard treatment options. By improving these outcomes, you get a better future for your child. He or she will develop normally, be able to study in mainstream rather than special education, socialize with peers, and, as an adult, have a better chance of having a successful career, starting a family, and taking a decent place in society.
Where can your child be treated with stem cell therapy?
Cell therapy is available in clinics throughout Europe. Some centers specializing in neuroscience use SCs for autism treatment. So far, the method is not considered standard and is used as an experimental therapeutic approach, so it is not available in every healthcare facility.
You are welcome to visit the Booking Health website to find a suitable clinic that offers cell therapy for autism. The website presents the world’s leading medical centers. You can find out prices, get information about doctors and departments where they work, and make an appointment at a clinic for your preferred dates.
Please leave your request on the Booking Health website to get help from medical tourism specialists. They will call you, answer all your questions, help you choose a clinic, make an appointment for your treatment, and organize your trip. You will be completely free from organizational worries and will be able to focus on restoring your health.
