Increasingly stem cell therapy is recognised as a possible approach to supporting individuals with autism.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability, typically appearing during childhood, and affecting a person’s ability to communicate, interact with others and their relationship with the world around them.
It is estimated that more than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder but the prevalence of autism in US children has been increasing significantly in the past decade. From 2000 (1 in 150) to 2010 (1 in 68), autism in U.S. children, increased by 119.4 percent, according to figures from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring, making autism the US’s fastest-growing developmental disability. ASD is also about 4.5 times more common among boys (1 in 42) than among girls (1 in 189).
Delayed learning of language, difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation or difficulty with executive functioning are just some of the behaviours associated with autism. A person on the spectrum might follow a few or many of these behaviours, or many others besides. Currently there is no medication to treat autism, just some medications that can help with the related symptoms and behavioural therapies.
Research into Stem Cell Treatment
However scientific research is offering hope for those living with this disorder as current research focuses not just on the causes and effects of autism but also looks at ways in which individuals with autism and their families can be better supported. This research includes pioneering new breakthroughs in the use of stem cell therapies.
Increasingly stem cell therapy is recognised as a possible approach to supporting individuals with autism which is based on the unique ability of stem cells to influence metabolism, the immune system and restore damaged cells and tissues, including body organs and systems. Indeed recent studies utilising stem cell treatment, including the Duke University Study in April 2017, have shown promise, though all investigators and other experts emphasize that the therapy is still in the early stages and much more research is needed.
Following an initial Phase I trial of the study, the researchers are now embarking on a larger Phase II. This will determine whether the initial suggestion, that stem cell therapy will be of benefit to children with autism, can be replicated.
On the challenges that Autism brings to parents, Geraldine Dawson PhD, who is co-principal investigator and director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, said: “One of the most challenging things for parents of children with autism is that there is so much information out there that is unreliable,”
“After we’ve concluded the Phase II trial, we will have much more information and should be able to better characterize the potential for this therapy.”
BioEden Customers Using their Stem Cells to Treat Autism
At BioEden we have supported these developments and our own experience endorses the potential which may lie in this area. Over the past 12 years of offering our service BioEden has released a number of samples of cells for the treatment of a range of conditions, including Autism.
If you want more information on how you could bank your children’s baby teeth for potential future therapeutic use to treat Autism, have a chat to one of our team or download our guide to stem cell banking.
To keep up to date with the latest developments in stem cell therapy and the treatment of autism, make sure to check back regularly to our blog.
