How to Use Stem Cell Therapy to Treat Autism

Researchers in the United States are studying stem cell therapy for clues to the origins of autism and how to treat it. Cord stem cells are being used to treat autism in other countries, such as Mexico and China, through a series of injections. As studies continue, scientists are hopeful that stem cells may one day be used to repair areas of the brain commonly damaged in autism. Read on to learn more about how to use stem cell therapy to treat autism.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Learn How Stem Cell Therapy Can be Used to Treat Autism

1. Target areas of the brain commonly affected in people with autism. Current research shows that areas of the brain that govern memory formation, neurotransmission and the release of the hormone oxytocin are damaged in people who have autism. Some scientists believe that this damage is caused by environmental factors such as pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, metals and other toxins.

2. Inject stem cells to improve blood flow in the brain, replace damaged neurons and promote the growth of new blood vessels. Stem cells travel to parts of the body that have been damaged and become lodged in areas where blood flow has been constricted. Over time, they take on the characteristics of the cells around them and are able to multiply. In the case of autism, both gray matter and white matter in the brain would be regenerated.

3. Use stem cell therapy along with detoxification processes that would remove toxic metals such as mercury and excess fungi.

Monitor Current Uses and Studies of Stem Cell Therapy

4. Monitor the progress of similar trials being conducted to treat patients with multiple sclerosis. Though different in many ways, multiple sclerosis and autism are similar in that significant areas of white matter in the brain have been damaged.

5. Track the success of current patients being treated with stem cell therapy in other countries.

6. Use research gathered in current domestic studies to help trace the origins of autism, so that treatment can be improved. Stem cell research may help save time in developing new medication by improving researchers' understanding of this complex disorder.

Tips & Warnings

• Become an advocate for autism and stem cell research and work to increase government funding. Visit the Autism Society of America website to learn more (see Resources below).
• Stem cell therapy is currently not in use for treatment of autism in the United States. However, patients may be referred to treatment centers abroad.

Resources

• Advocate Information on the Autism Society of America Website

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.

[Stemcellgood]

on 9/29/2007 The use of stem cell therapy for autism has been discussed in the paper below written by Cellmedicine and Medistem.

J Transl Med. 2007 Jun 27;5:30. Links
Stem cell therapy for autism.Ichim TE, Solano F, Glenn E, Morales F, Smith L, Zabrecky G, Riordan NH.
Medistem Laboratories Inc, Tempe, Arizona, USA. [e-mail]

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental conditions whose incidence is reaching epidemic proportions, afflicting approximately 1 in 166 children. Autistic disorder, or autism is the most common form of ASD. Although several neurophysiological alterations have been associated with autism, immune abnormalities and neural hypoperfusion appear to be broadly consistent. These appear to be causative since correlation of altered inflammatory responses, and hypoperfusion with symptology is reported. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are in late