This is a moving story of an autistic child named Aashish and his journey towards recovery and healing. From a young tender age, this child had a behavioural problem. His parents were highly distressed seeing his condition. Starting right from infancy, he stayed on his own most of the time. He had an uncontrollable tendency to scratch his skin until he injured himself and had a habit of rubbing his private parts unruffled by the hysteria he caused. At times, he would show signs of extreme violent behaviour.
By the time, Aashish reached 14 his behaviour became intolerable for those around him. His parents assured themselves that after he starts going for school, things will change for the better. But their hope diminished when they saw that neither Aashish social behaviour nor interaction had improved. Even his school teachers would complain of his unusual behaviour and lack of interaction during class activities. They finally realized that they need to have an end solution to his problem.
After a string of medical visits, it was declared that Aashish was suffering from Autism. His mother was devastated after hearing the news but she promised herself that her son will lead a normal life like all other kids. His parents decided to send him to a special school so his behaviour would be brought under control. But eventually, they were disappointed with the lack of progress. During this time, Aashish maternal grandfather stumbled upon a newspaper article on stem cell therapy. Once again, their hope was renewed. The next few days and months went by looking out for institutes dealing with the same. Finally, they settled upon NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute as it looked very promising for them.
Aashish’s Life after stem cell therapy at Neurogen
They took an appointment with Dr. Alok Sharma, Director and Dr. Nandini Gokulchandran, Deputy Director to discuss Aashish’s condition. His family was convinced that the team of Neurogen was the answer they were looking for the last 13 years. Aashish began to reciprocate positively well with the treatment. On the 17th of May 2011, Aashish underwent Stem Cell Therapy for the very first time at NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute alongside rigorous rehabilitation programme. The rehabilitation program greatly improved his motor performance and developed his vocational skills further. After his first stem cell therapy, he began to show positive improvements. His parents noticed that his concentration level improved, his speech was clearer, dark skin spots had diminished, his handwriting had improved, he was able to solve puzzles, his violent hand movements had lessened and he was not able to button his shirt independently. They were highly thankful to the NeuroGen team.
Seeing the vast improvements, they decided to undertake a second stem cell therapy.
The second stem cell therapy happened on the 30th November 2011. His parents began to notice a number of changes in their child. He began to take an interest in music and dance, became orderly and disciplined. His speech was clearer, his reading and handwriting had improved and he could recognize all shapes and understand the food proportion he needs to eat. He began speaking in English other than Marathi which was an achievement in itself.
How has it impacted the life of those around him?
His family was most happy on seeing his improved condition. They were all habituated of keeping a check on him. So they could not believe their eyes when they saw him independently volunteering to make tea for everyone and make his favourite Maggi noodles all by himself. He did not hesitate to make his bed all by himself without being asked to. And that was not all. He shared a much closer bond with his younger sister and tutored her too. Aashish’s mother herself was a special educator who had taken up the training as she was unsatisfied with the help her son was receiving. Today her son helps her in tutoring children with special needs. Initially they were all wary of his condition but after undergoing stem cell therapy, their life changed miraculously for the better. As a family, they have grew closer after the therapy.
