Children with autism usually manifest with a combination of both social and behavioral problems including reduced social and communication skills, repetitive or restricted behaviors – including stereotypical repetitive speech and movements – ritualizing routine and despising changes, and abnormal reactivity to different sensory stimuli (ex. noise and light).
Autism is usually associated with additional features that might impair the functionality of the child including irritability, aggressiveness, hyperactivity, insomnia, and different mood disorders such as depression or anxiety (1, 2).
Autism has been suggested to occur due to a mixture of genetic predisposition and inflammatory or immune-mediated brain damage (3).
Autism has also been proven to have lots of comorbid conditions that contribute to worse behaviors and socialization including gastrointestinal disturbance (ex. chronic constipation), metabolic disorders, sleep issues, seizures, nutritional problems and selective eating, and psychological disorders (4).
- Antipsychotics (ex. risperidone and aripiprazole): These drugs have been proven to improve irritability and impulsivity. However, they are commonly associated with multiple side effects that necessitate its use with extreme caution; especially given the age group they are used on.
- Antidepressants (ex. fluoxetine): Antidepressants have been proven in some studies to improve irritability and repetitive behaviors associated with autism.
- Stimulants (ex. Methylphenidate and atomoxetine): These are especially beneficial in autistic children with co-existing ADHD symptoms and hyperactivity and/or constant distraction.
However, when looking at other similar neurodevelopmental disorders and at different stem cell therapy trials, the most feasible and safely-used stem cells that have been used and tested in autistic people and other neurological conditions include umbilical cord-derived samples, both cord blood and cord tissue, and bone marrow stem cells. These two types provide the best results with the lowest possible side effects (8, 9).
We have also tested and published an article on the better efficacy of using both types of umbilical cord samples, umbilical cord mesenchymal cells and umbilical cord blood/hematopoietic cells, concomitantly – while maintaining safe administration (11). These results have contributed to establishing our current method of dual-type stem cell administration.
Stem cells are processed at our laboratories accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) where we follow the highest international standards in order to provide the best cell samples.
Clinical benefit is not 100% guaranteed as is the case with any intervention, and consulting our specialists prior to undergoing the procedure is of utmost importance in order to gain more insight on the procedure.
- Headaches
- Pain at site of injection
- Gastrointestinal disturbances including nausea and/or vomiting
- Seizures
- Initial increase in the degree of hyperactivity for the first three months following stem cell therapy
- Dose/Number of stem cells: The higher the dose of stem cells – within limits of course – the better the response. At Beike Biotechnology, we administer an optimum dose of around 120-280 Million Cells (depending on the child’s weight) for autism.
- Route/Method of administration: Studies have shown that intrathecal injection (through lumbar puncture directly within the brain’s CSF) provides better response than the traditional intravenous route (which causes stem cells to go to other organs than the brain before reaching the brain). At Beike Biotechnology, we use both intravenous and intrathecal routes concomitantly in order to obtain the maximal efficacy; while ensuring the least possible side effects or toxicity.
- Type of Stem Cells used: As previously mentioned, both umbilical cord-based stem cells, which we use at Beike Biotechnology, and bone marrow stem cells have better-proven efficacy in autism compared to other types of stem cells.
- Timing of stem cell transplantation: Early intervention is crucial for people with different neurodevelopmental disorders – including autism. Therefore, we recommend early intervention during early school years (around 3 to 7 years old).
- Follow-up Time: Significant benefits from stem cell therapy begin appearing around three months after stem cell therapy, and most people reach their full potential around 6-12 months after treatment. At Beike Technology, even after discharge, we provide you with a full follow-up program beginning as early as one month and up to one year after transplantation. You have complete access to our professional team even after you leave our center.