Autism usually comes in as a whisper. A whisper many parents are hesitant to listen to. They read books, they visit doctors, they scour the internet all the while wishing what they think is true isn’t. Not because they will love their child any less but because they do not want their beloved child to suffer so.
This is the story of 3 years old, Avaneesh Shetty living not very far from Nagpur. Though he has mild autism he has a history of poor attention and concentration, poor sitting tolerance and increased hyperactivity. He also showed signs of delayed development and poor speech.
Avaneesh who was 2 ½ years old and had normal motor milestones and speech was developing normally suddenly he started displaying regression in speech. His attention and concentration was affected, social interaction was poor as he preferred to stay aloof and he was unable to solve a problem by himself. His command following was poor, he had become a hyperactive and had difficulty in sitting in one place. His eye contact was also very poor and he was dependent on the parents for all his daily activities.
His parents consulted a couple of doctors however he wasn’t formally diagnosed and was directed towards consulting a psychologist for evaluation. In June 2014, the psychologist evaluated him and diagnosed him to have autism.
Although they were not ready to believe it initially but they finally realized that their child will need a long term rehabilitation.
His parents and relatives were very concerned and they started desperately looking for a treatment option for him. It was during this search Avaneesh’s uncle came across an article in newspaper about stem cell therapy for Autism by NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute in July 2014. Coincidentally Avaneesh and his mother were in Mumbai itself at that time and so they decided to consult Dr. Alok Sharma and Dr. Nandini Gokulchandran for the same. “After visiting NeuroGen BSI and discussing my child’s case with Dr. Alok Sharma and Dr. Nandini Gokulchandran I got some hope that my child can improve and he can become independent.” says Mrs. Shetty.
Without giving a second thought and trusting the doctors, Avaneesh’s parents decided to make him undergo Stem Cell Therapy on 24th July 2014. Along with stem cell therapy he was put on an extensive rehabilitation program where he was given behavior therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, play therapy, art therapy & special education. The aim of rehabilitation program was to reduced his hyperactivity, improve his attention span and understanding and develop meaningful speech.
“I am delighted with the way my son is responding to Stem Cell Therapy. Avaneesh has improved a lot. He has started talking, recites poetries, listens and responds to the commands given to him; his hyperactivity has reduced and can now concentrate for a longer time now.”
Avaneesh has now started going to school and can recite most of the nursery rhymes like Twinkle Twinkle / Johny Johny / Baba Black Sheep. It has been realized that the earlier Stem Cell Therapy is done the better are results achieved. Avaneesh can now convey his toilet needs.
“ I am very happy with what my child has achieved till now, it’s a pleasure to see my Avaneesh improve his quality and quantity of speech, now he responds to the basic questions like ‘papa kaha gaye?’ by answering ‘papa office gaye’…” concludes Mrs. Shetty.
