Autism is an incurable condition that a child and his or her parents must live with for a lifetime. Once started, the treatment never stops. In two out of three cases, doctors succeed with standard techniques, but for the remaining patients, adaptation to society remains problematic. In recent years, new treatments have emerged that complement behavioral therapy and education. More and more clinics are using stem cells for autism treatment. Stem cells trigger the process of brain repair, which has a positive effect on the child’s behavior and social skills. The introduction of cell therapy allows to improve the results of standard methods and to obtain a good effect in those children for whose treatment behavioral correction is not satisfactory.

What is autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD, autism) are a group of disorders resulting from impaired brain development that lead to deficits in social communication and interaction. People with ASD tend to have limited interests and stereotyped repetitive behaviors. Diagnosis is confirmed based on symptoms identified in the first three years of a child’s life.

According to Autism Speaks, there are more than 70 million people worldwide who have been diagnosed with autism. Boys are 5 times more likely to have the problem than girls.

The diagnosis is established according to DSM V criteria:

• Deficits in social interaction and communication
• Limited interests, repetitive behaviors and actions
• The symptoms affect daily life

How autism is treated

Even in the best countries for autism treatment, doctors cannot cure the patient. Therapy is aimed at improving the child’s adaptation and achieving independence. With adequate assistance, more than 70% of children can adapt sufficiently to be educated not in special but in general education institutions.

Standard management of patients with ASD includes:

1. Early diagnosis of the disorder
2. Correction
3. Socialization

Behavioral therapy is the cornerstone of the child’s care. The patient is taught self-care, language and social skills. Acceptable behavior is reinforced and undesirable behavior is prevented. In Germany, certified behavior therapy methods are used and standardized, which means that some specialists can start treatment and others can continue it, even if you later go to another clinic or travel to another country for treatment.

Other methods are nature-based interventions (experiential learning) and drug therapy for psychiatric disorders: e.g. antipsychotics for aggression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for depression. Some children require anticonvulsants.

Autism stem cell therapy

Many neurological diseases associated with brain damage have been successfully treated with stem cell (SC) therapy, and ASD is no exception. So far, stem cell treatment is still experimental and is not part of the standard protocols of care for patients with autism. But some clinics are already using this method, so if you wish and if indicated, you can undergo stem cell therapy in Germany.

The essence of treatment is that SCs are obtained from the child’s blood. Then they are injected into cerebrospinal fluid using a lumbar puncture (an injection in the lumbar region). SCs get into the brain, stimulating recovery processes.

Dozens of studies have already been conducted that have proven the positive effect of SCs on behavior, social interaction, and learning ability of children. Most studies have shown good results with the introduction of different types of SCs. They were maintained during 1-1.5 years of observation. Several injections of cells have a more pronounced therapeutic effect compared to a single injection, and SC injections into cerebrospinal fluid work better compared to intravenous infusions.

Where to get treatment

You can get medical care in Germany. In this country:

• Cell therapy has been used for many years in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system
• It is safe to treat children, which is especially important when SCs are injected into the liquor
• Stem cells are mainly obtained from blood, not from bone marrow
• Cell therapy is successfully combined with other methods of treatment
• Not only standard but also innovative methods are available in Germany, including gene therapy for autism

The Booking Health website presents the best German clinics with autism stem cell therapy. Here you can check prices and choose a suitable medical center, make an appointment for convenient dates and get help in organizing your trip. The cost of medical services when registering for cell therapy through Booking Health will be lower compared to direct application to the clinic due to the absence of additional taxes for foreign patients.