If your child finds it challenging to chat, play, hang out, or socialize with others, they may be showing signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disorder. Treating autism is a significant concern, and a recent breakthrough involves the use of stem cell therapy for comprehensive treatment.
Previously, awareness about ASD was minimal until it gained attention in movies. Autism refers to a developmental disorder present from birth or developing in early years. Stem cell therapy offers promise due to stem cells’ ability to impact metabolism, immune system function, communication skills, learning capacity, memory, and cognitive abilities, as well as repair damaged cells and tissues.
Vipul Jain, CEO of Advancells, emphasizes that the main goals of treating children with autism are to mitigate associated deficits, with each treatment plan tailored to the child’s specific needs.
Signs and Symptoms
Dr. Ratan Kumar Vaish, an Internal Medicine specialist at Rockland Hospital, highlights the two main categories of symptoms associated with autism:
- Limitations in Social Presence and Communication: Children with autism may struggle to understand others’ emotions and feelings. They may experience delays in language development and have difficulty engaging in conversations or understanding social cues.
- Repetitive Patterns in Thinking and Behavior: Individuals with autism may exhibit repetitive behaviors such as hand tapping, twisting, or becoming upset if these repetitive movements are interrupted. These behaviors can manifest as a way to cope with sensory overload or as a means of self-soothing.
About the Therapy
Stem cells possess the remarkable ability to regenerate independently and are hailed as one of the most promising forms of regenerative medicine. According to Jain, these cells are present in adult tissues like bone marrow as well as in embryos. Their main function within the body is to uphold and restore tissues. Stem cell therapy holds great potential for treating various conditions, including neurological disorders, orthopedic issues, COPD, lung ailments, liver diseases, cardiological problems, autoimmune disorders, eye diseases, infertility, and cosmetic enhancements.
The Right Time
Popularity in India
Various other applications of stem cells are currently under investigation in clinical trials. These include utilizing stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues such as the heart, skin, bone, spinal cord, liver, pancreas, and cornea, as well as to treat blood or solid-organ cancers. Many of these trials focus on mesenchymal stem cells, sourced from tissues like fat, bone marrow, and connective tissue. Successful bone marrow transplants highlight instances where these cells effectively fulfill their intended purpose, such as generating more blood. However, for certain conditions, there’s a need for the cells to exhibit behaviors divergent from their typical functions within the body.