Autism is a very common developmental disorder that affects millions of people around the world.  A new study from researchers at Duke University suggests that umbilical cord blood therapy may improve the symptoms of Autism.

Autism impairs the ability of a person to communicate and interact with others.  Its symptoms include poor eye contact, compulsive behaviour, learning disabilities, anxiety, and inappropriate social interaction.  There is currently no cure for the condition.

The Duke University researchers trialled their new stem cell therapy on 25 autistic children between the ages of four and six.  They began by testing their autism symptoms and ability to communicate with others.  As Dr. Geraldine Dawson explained:  “We measured the children’s social and communication abilities using various tests and parent questionnaires,” she continued. “We found that the infusion was safe and many children showed improvements in their social and language skills.”

The children were then given the stem cell therapy, which consists of a transfusion of their own cord blood stem cells.  The researchers then waited a year and brought the children back in for testing.

They were delighted to find that the children had less symptoms.  The scientists don’t know exactly how the stem cells are reducing autism symptoms, but they suspect it may be through suppression of microglial activation — a type of immune cell within the nervous system.

This pilot study is not enough to definitively say that this umbilical cord blood therapy can cure autism.  The researchers have to perform additional research with more participants and control groups.  Because both the parents and the children knew they had received the treatment, it may have changed how they responded during the 12 months.  A Phase II trial of the this stem cell therapy is already planned.

Source: Umbilical cord blood therapy may improve autistic symptoms, study suggests

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