What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?

One of the most important causes for autism spectrum disorder is the genetic factor. 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.

In a journal of JAMA Pediatrics, researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark have stated that children with older siblings diagnosed 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.

Even though there is no cure for autism that has been discovered but it does not mean that nothing can be done for a child with autism. There are medications and therapies to help people cope up but it works better on people with higher 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.

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.

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 more 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.

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 has revealed that children with ASD’s treated before they complete 48 months of age have a 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:

• 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.

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.

No, the treatment is not painful as the Autism treatment through cell therapy is done under local anesthesia and mild sedation. There is no major pain or discomfort during or after the procedure.

The entire autism treatment process 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 complications can occur but that is just a possibility.

This may vary from patient to patient. Some patients make speedy improvements by 3-6 months after Autism treatment through cell therapy while in some cases patients take several months or years together to heal. And there are some patients that recover even before their discharge.

This will depend on the condition of the patient. If the patient shows signs of improvement after the first cell therapy at NeuroGen, an autism treatment center then a second session may be suggested by a team of experts. The second transplantation can transpire anytime between 3-6 months of the first cell therapy for Autism in India.

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.