Some members of the scientific research community propose that using stem cell therapy for autism causes normal brain cell re-growth and an increase in the organ's oxygen flow. In most cases, stem cells from umbilical cords are used in the treatment of the cognitive disorder. The stem cells are also thought to combat some of the possible genetic contributors to autism, such as abnormal formation and inflammation in the cells that affect cognitive development.
Autism and autism related disorders, such as Asperger's Syndrome, can cause delays and impairments in a person's ability to socialize, communicate, and develop normal life skills. The disorder seems to affect language development and may impact the individual's comprehension and interpretation of social cues and acceptable social behavior. Some medical researchers and developmental disorder practitioners believe that some of these effects can be reversed through stem cell therapy for autism. This type of therapy infuses human stem cells into the patient's system in the hopes that these cells will cause the brain to grow new, undamaged tissue.
One of the probable causes of autism is abnormal cell division and growth in the parts of the brain that affect communication and language development. As a result, those diagnosed with the disorder tend to behave in ways that most of society might find unusual or difficult to interpret. For example, typical early characteristics of autism include extreme withdrawal and the inability to speak and respond in a typical manner. While therapy can often include behavioral techniques, such as slowly acclimating individuals to social interaction, stem cell therapy for autism attempts to use the body's natural regeneration process to replace abnormal cells in order to restore some language and cognitive capabilities.
The possible benefits of stem cell therapy for autism are thought to take time to surface, as the therapy involves the gradual re-growth of normal brain tissue. Instead of duplicating existing genetic code or abnormal qualities, these stem cells grow into fully functional tissue and are thought to eventually replace damaged cells. In the treatment of autism, stem cells have been shown to increase the amount of oxygen within the brain, which may create a more stable environment for healthy tissue development.
Even though stem cell therapy for autism has shown some promise, it has not been widely established as an acceptable or adequate treatment for the disorder. Individuals affected by autism are still largely treated through individualized education programs and behavioral life skills classes, which may focus on topics like cooking and personal hygiene. For those with autism and related disorders, the severity and the symptoms present can vary quite considerably. Some are able to communicate and obtain employment, while others are unable to speak without the assistance of technology or alternative communication methods.