Symptoms of Autism
Children cannot outgrow autism, but research has revealed that early involvement and analysis leads to increase independence and can lead to a better quality of life.
Some of the signs and symptoms of autism are as follows:
- Inability to communicate effectively using non-verbal behaviour and body language like expressions, postures, gestures, and eye contact
- Impaired ability in developing and maintaining peer relationships.
- Inability to initiate or participate in conversations.
- Slow or impaired development of spoken language
- Repetitive behavior such as twirling or rocking considered as obsessive by some
- Excessive attachment with material objects and reduced human connections.
- Inability to connect to one’s own name.
- Heightened sensory responses that can cause sensitivity to loud noises or discomfort with the sensation of touch etc.
- Shortened attention span
- Self-inflection of pain
- Aggressive behaviour towards others like biting, scratching, pulling others hair, throwing objects etc.
- Appetite for inedible and non-nutritive items like chalk, paper, sand, paint, dirt (This phenomenon is called as pica and is generally seen in a moderate to severe form in children with autism.)
Causes of autism
The cause of autism has always been debatable and cannot be credited to a single known cause. There are some excerpts brought forward by doctors, researchers and scientists which are mentioned below:
A structural or a functional damage to the nervous system can produce autism.
A change in the structure of a gene, often called as a mutation can be responsible for abnormal brain development leading to autistic features. Alternatively, non-genetic factors like certain perinatal complications such as maternal bleeding in between three months into the pregnancy, the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid, insufficient nutrient intake during pregnancy etc.
Environmental factors (mercury poisoning, maternal stress and exposure to strong medications, toxins, infections or radiations) may also be responsible for autism.
It is essential to realize that no particular individual or event can be held responsible for the child’s diagnosis. Investing in the child’s care and treatment can go milestones in helping a child with autism.
New Hope for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Contact Neurogen Experts
STEM CELL THERAPY FOR AUTISM
Even though autism is a complex neurodevelopment disorder, several researchers have come together to comprehend the reasons as to why autism develops and it’s after effects on the brain.
Objective Radiological evidence of improvement after Cell therapy in a case of autism
The usage of autologous bone marrow has shown major clinical and objective radiological improvements in children with autism. The treatment is easy, safe and effective as it aims at neurological repair. It gives a new leash of life to the children and restores back the lost connection with society.
Pre Cell therapy PET CT scan show the blue areas that represent reduced brain activity due to the damage that occurs to the neural tissue in autism. Post Cell Therapy PET CT scan show the blue areas have reduced indicating that the damaged tissues have been repaired highlighting the positive effects of the Cell therapy.
New approach: How stem cells work in autism
The two key pathologies linked with autism are lack of oxygen supply to the brain and immune degeneration. These factors are directly linked with the slow functioning of the brain. Additionally an imbalance in the brain activity can lead to formations linked with autism.
Researches and doctors are working at regenerative therapy using cells as the prospective therapy for children showing signs of autism. The whole concept is that the stem cells should hold the capacity to add in different cells and structure specialized cells from the mother cell. These cells can help repair the affected neural tissue at the molecular, structural and functional level. They get to the core of the neuropathology of autism with the help of paracrine disciplinary functions. It is able to regulate cell differentiation, tissue and organ repair and anti-inflammatory actions.
The Neurogen Outcome in Autism
At NeuroGen BSI, one of the best Autism Centres, we have effectively treated over 1839 through Cell Therapy in India. We have published the world’s first clinical study on the effect of stem cells in autism in 32 patients in the International Journal “Stem Cell International.” The path breaking results observed through this study has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Cell therapy.
After the successful completion of cell therapy, our patients have shown remarkable improvements in various aspects. The behaviour patterns that are observed in children with autism such as hyperactivity, engaging in stereotypical and repetitive motor mannerisms have decreased significantly. Immense improvements are also seen in their sensory aspects and motor activities. Several parents have also reported that the concentration and the attention span of their children are much better than before.
The overall improvements that are seen in patients after Cell therapy are:-
- Reduction in self stimulatory behaviour.
- Improvement in eye contact
- Improvement in speech
- Improvement in communication skills
- Improvement in social interactions
- Reduction in aggressive behaviour
The medical results of the autism patients treated to date with Cell therapy. at NeuroGen BSI shows that 91% of these patients showed an overall improvement on Clinical Global Impression II (CGI-II) scale. Symptomatic improvements included 70% improvement in eye contact, 60% initiated socializing, 56% initiated social smile, 55% started maintaining peer relationships, self stimulating behavior decrease in 55%, 54% reduced echolalia (repetitive) speech,72% showed reduced hyperactivity, 66% showed reduced repetitive motor mannerisms and 48% showed reduced aggressive behaviour.
These functional enhancements that have been seen in our patients can be co-related with the improvements in the brain metabolism as well that is observed in the PET-CT (Positron emission tomography- computerized tomography) scans of the patients.
Traditional treatment
The traditional methods to treatment for autism can be categorized as nonmedical and biomedical treatments. Nonmedical interventions include behavioural and educational approaches along with sensory and communication with other therapies. Biomedical treatments include diet modification, treatment of the gut, immune system regulation and more.
Your most common questions answered
Is autism genetic?
One of the most important causes for autism spectrum disorder is genetic factors. It was affirmed that heritability was inherent through the study of autism in twins. It is difficult to define or explain why autism occurs merely on the basis of genetics. No solid reasons could be discovered even after use of molecular tools and analytical tools. A simple solution cannot be the answer when more than one gene is involved. Researchers are studying the possibility of genetic imprinting too. But still there is no definitive answer to this question.
Will my other child have autism?
In a journal of JAMA Pediatrics, researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark have stated that children with older siblings detected with an autism spectrum disorder are likely to carry on the same. The child born to the same parents have a 7.5 risk factor to be detected with autism. While maternal born siblings have a 2.4 greater risk factor, paternal half siblings have a lesser risk factor. Therefore it is essential that parents need to keep all risk factors in mind before deciding upon having another child. In case you decide to have another child, discuss matters clearly with the doctor. Take all the preventive measure needed like prenatal folic acid and avoid overexposure to toxins.
Is there a cure for autism?
Even there is no cure for autism that has been discovered but it does not mean that nothing can be done for a child suffering from autism. There are medications and therapies to help people cope up but it works better on people with ASD function. For example, medication will better help to manage high energy levels, lack of concentration, depression and abnormal behaviour. Parents having an autistic child will better manage the complex behavioural of the child.
Can medications cure autism?
Medications cannot fully cure your child of autism but can only provide temporary relief. But once the behavioural symptoms are brought under control, you can take the next step. There are several therapy programs like psychological therapy, occupational therapy, vocational training, and speech therapy and so on to help your child cope up with the problem. Consult a proficient pediatrician or psychiatrist to discuss your child’s behavioural details.
Which school should my child attend? A Special or a normal school?
Many parents tend to be in a tight spot thinking about their child’s future. They want the best for the child including sending them to a school where the child gets nurtured to the fullest. Since autistic children are comparatively sensitive than others, they need special attention. At present, the number of schools for children with autism is inadequate.
Broadly speaking schools may be classified into the following:
- Mainstream or Regular
- Inclusive or Integrated
- Special services schools
- Home-schooling
- Residential schools or homes
Autistic children have a difficult time coping up in a normal set up. A regular school can get very challenging for the child. This is not to say that an autistic child won’t excel in a standard setting. But smaller and private schools can give better attention to your child rather than larger schools.
Is there any treatment or therapy available for my child?
This question will be better answered if you consult a developmental pediatrician. An early intervention to tackle the problem would speed up the healing process. Research have revealed that children with ASD’s treated before they complete 48 months of age have greater chance of improving rather than children treated after 48 months of age. A multi-disciplinary holistic approach is needed for autism management.
It consists of:
- A multi-disciplinary team consists Clinical Psychologist
- Occupational therapist
- Speech and language pathologist
- Dietician
- Physiotherapist
- Art, play, music, drama therapist
- Each of the above professionals will target different aspects in the treatment of your child Newer forms of therapies like Cell therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are effective newer forms of therapies.
Are there ethical concerns surrounding adult stem cell research and therapy?
No, there are no ethical concerns surrounding adult stem cell research and therapy. Ethical concerns are mostly occurs through the use of embryonic cells. Our therapy consists of using cells which are taken out from the patient’s own body and it is free from ethical concerns.
Is the treatment painful?
No, the treatment is not painful as the therapy is done under local anesthesia and a mild sedation. There is no major pain or discomfort during or after the procedure.
Does the treatment have any side effects?
The whole therapy session is safe and till date none of our patients have shown any signs of neurological deterioration. In rare cases, side effects like headache for 3-4 days, neck or back pain, vomiting, mild rash or pain at the area of bone marrow aspirations may arise. Some unexpected medical complication can occur but that is just a possibility.
How long will it take me to know that I have benefitted from the treatment?
This may vary from patient to patient. Some patients makes a speedy improvement by 3-6 months while in some cases patients take several months or years together to heal. And there are some patients that recover even before their discharge.
Is the Bone Marrow Cell transplantation done once or more than once?
This will depend on the condition of the patient. If the patient shows signs of improvement after the first surgery then a second transplantation may be suggested by a team of experts. The second transplantation can transpire anytime between 3-6 months of the first therapy.
Can other treatments be taken at the same time?
We will have to review the entire dose of medication before coming upon a decision. Generally we do allow the patients to continue their other medication. But it is better to consult a doctor beforehand.
