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Stem Cell Treatment for Autism Reviews

Stem Cell Treatment for Autism Reviews

As parents, we will do anything to help our children. Finding the right treatment for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder ranks right at the top.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 59 children.  Parents are told treatments can help, but that this condition can’t be cured. Because there are more than 200,000 U.S. cases per year, multiple treatment plans are offered, and it’s difficult to navigate through all of the options.  

Stem Cell Therapy for ASD

One of the most recent treatment options being discussed is stem cell therapy. Although the therapies in the US are still experimental, there have been some promising results. Since no cure currently exists for autism spectrum disorder, the goal of treatment is to maximize a child’s ability to function by reducing ASD symptoms and supporting development.

The big question on everyone’s mind is, will stem cell therapy help treat autism?

Well, the answer isn’t a definitive one, and reviews are hard to come by because treatments in the U.S. are not FDA approved, experimental or not allowed at all. To help gather all of the latest information, we put together a list of well-reviewed stem cell clinics, docs, and resources.

The current therapies mostly utilize stem cells from birth tissue that’s high in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). But because most families don’t have birth tissue (cord blood, tissue, and placenta), some families are finding it helpful to store their own child’s stem cells non-invasively when their child loses a tooth (dental stem cells).

The Difference in Cord Blood vs. Cord Tissue, Placenta and Dental Stem Cells

Stem cells from cord blood are commonly used in the treatment of childhood blood diseases such as leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and lymphoma, to help replenish the patient’s blood supply with healthy new cells. These stem cells cannot be duplicated, and experts say due to the low volume of blood collected, they may only be able to treat a child until approximately ten years of age.  

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from birth tissue, placenta and teeth are more versatile as they can be used for treatments other than blood disorders and they can be duplicated for a lifetime of use. This type of cell has the potential to be transformed into other cells including cardiac, muscle, bone, cartilage, nerve, and fat tissue.

The mesenchymal stem cells found in teeth are the most widely researched type of stem cell. Based on the research so far, the best use for dental stem cells seems to be focused on neurological disorders and disease of the brain. This makes sense since the stem cells from teeth are found in our head.

Current studies offer hope for mental illness, diseases of the brain like autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s and neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, MS, and Parkinson’s.

In addition to treating conditions, MSCs are being used for other regenerative, preventative, and anti-aging benefits.

What Can Stem Cells Do For ASD?

Researchers hope to improve brain development with stem cell therapy.

Here are some anticipated improvements in autistic children after stem cell therapy:

  • Better tolerance of foods and improved digestion
  • More adequate behavior and social skills
  • Less or no fear of loud noises, strangers and bright colors
  • Improved verbal skills, speech
  • Improvement of writing skills
  • Improved self-care skills
  • Improved attention span, memory, and concentration

Because dental stem cells are in close proximity to the brain, they are being used for disorders related to the brain. Stem cells are thought to replenish damaged brain cells, reduce inflammation, increase immunity and blood flow so that the body can heal itself. There are many studies being conducted in order to better understand the benefits stem cells provide our bodies.  Once the scientific community has a better understanding of stem cells it is hoped that a whole new medical world will be opened up.

Although we are in the early stage of dental stem cell research, the data is promising. As always, do your stem cell research.  You know what the best course of action is for your child and your family. We all want to do everything we can to get the absolute best results, and when you do the research, the answers fall into place.

Resources, Reviews, Stem Cell Clinics, and Doctors

We posted an article recently about the work being done with Dental Stem Cells and the Tooth Fairy led by Dr. Alysson Muotri of California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Here are the links for more information about the research and to Dr. Muotri’s Lab.

Link to the video review of the research:
https://www.cirm.ca.gov/our-progress/video/reversing-autism-lab-help-stem-cells-and-tooth-fairy

https://www.cirm.ca.gov/our-progress/video/reversing-autism-lab-help-stem-cells-and-tooth-fairy

Link to basic info about baby teeth and stem cells:
https://www.sentinelsource.com/parent_express/family_wellness/baby-teeth-basics-from-birth-to-the-tooth-fairy/article_9bcffa3c-24c6-11e9-8a44-33e96f4c374e.html

Link to Dr. Muotri’s laboratory:
https://medschool.ucsd.edu/som/pediatrics/research/labs/muotri-lab/Pages/default.aspx

Other notable research is being spearheaded by Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg, MD Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development.
More info can be found here: https://autismcenter.duke.edu/.

Another study was done using umbilical cord blood and children with autism at Duke University:
https://www.cnn.com/2017/04/05/health/autism-cord-blood-stem-cells-duke-study/index.html

To stay in the loop with current and upcoming clinical trials based in the United States visit:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/search

Are their Stem Cell Treatments for Autism Available Now?

Yes. Although the options are limited, there are a few reputable clinics that we follow closely. We have reviewed dozens of outcomes and the feedback from the parents have been very positive.

Dr. Riordan – The Stem Cell Institute (Panama) can be found here:
https://www.cellmedicine.com/stem-cell-therapy-for-autism/

Dr. Eduardo and Dr. Freddy – World Stem Cells Clinic (Mexico) can found here: https://worldstemcellsclinic.com/

References:

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