Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of neurodevelopmental disorders predominantly characterized by impaired social functioning and communication disturbances.
Symptoms can include:
- Intense focus on one item
- Unresponsiveness
- lack of understanding social cues (like tone of voice or body language)
- Repetitive movements, or self-abusive behavior like head-banging.
- learning to speak relatively late, not playing interactively with other children, avoidance of eye contact, lack of empathy, and social withdrawal.
The severity of the symptoms varies widely among affected individuals. Children with ASD who have not developed sufficient language skills may act out, including screaming or crying, to express their needs. It is important to note that people with ASD may vary widely in their level of functioning, and not all people with ASD will experience all of the symptoms listed.
HOW AUTISM IS TREATED TRADITIONALLY
The most effective treatments available today are
- Applied behavioral analysis (ABA)
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Physical therapy
- Pharmacological therapy
Treatment works to minimize the impact of the core features and associated deficits of ASD and to maximize functional independence and quality of life.
HOW STEM CELLS WORK FOR ASD
Our bodies are made up of different types of cells, like brain cells, blood cells, heart cells, skin cells and stem cells. Stem cells can turn into many other types of cells. In stem cell therapy, stem cells are injected into a patient to repair or replace damaged cells as a way of treating various conditions. The stem cells might come from donors or the patient themselves.
For autism, it can reduce characteristics of autism. It can improve behavior, anxiety, social skills, communication, speech and ability to focus.