Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old.[1]Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood.[2] It is one of three recognized disorders in the autism spectrum (ASDs), the other two being Asperger syndrome, which lacks delays in cognitive development and language, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (commonly abbreviated as PDD-NOS), which is diagnosed when the full set of criteria for autism or Asperger syndrome are not met.[3]

Autism has a strong genetic basis, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is unclear whether ASD is explained more by rare mutations, by rare combinations of common genetic variants[4] or by external influences causing changes in gene expression. In some cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects.[5] Controversies surround other proposed environmental causes, such as heavy metals, pesticides or childhood vaccines;[6] The vaccine hypotheses are biologically rejected by some as implausible and lacking convincing scientific evidence,[7] however in clinic practice one sees numerous exceptions to this skepticism.

Common findings associated with the biomedical approach to ASD include a triad of immune dysregulation, gastrointestinal dysbiosis and detoxification pathway difficulties. Excellent results have been achieved by these practitioners in a number of patients. A primary organization involved in this area is the Autism Research Institute.

The prevalence of autism is about 1–2 per 1,000 people; the prevalence of ASD is about 6 per 1,000, with about four times as many males as females. The number of people diagnosed with autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved.[8]

Stem Cells

At World Stem cells Clinic, in Cancun, our physicians treat Autism uniquely. In addition to the biomedical and psychological approaches typically employed, we use stem cells from bone marrow or cord blood.

The use of stem cells addresses a number of areas of misdirected metabolic function. At present, clinical research studies have shown changes in immune, gastrointestinal and inflammation markers and function. Our “typical” patients have experienced  positivev changes in perception and cognition, along with fine motor skill enhancement. GI distress and response to illness has also improved.

James W. Partington, PhD, BCBA-D is the author of “Capturing the Motivation of Children with Autism” and “The Assessment of Language and Learning Skills-Revised” (The ABLLS®R) We employ his ABLLS®R to better understand and document the patient’s pre and post treatment status. By collecting scientific data of the patient’s treatment and following their outcomes, we can provide optimal treatments.

Autologous Stem-Cell Implant  Phases :

After a review of your medical records and discussions with medical staff, a protocol is designed especially for you. Specifics of your condition are addressed along with any special needs.  It may be similar to the one illustrated below:

Day 1:

At the clinic you will be examined by our physicians. Information including any risks and expectations concerning your treatment, plus answers to any questions you may have will be addressed.  A blood draw, to determine cell counts and other chemistries will be collected and cell expansion medication may be administered. Then you will return to your hotel for a restful day or a good nights sleep.

Day 2:

At the clinic our physician/s will review the laboratory results, determine if the cell count is within range, and discuss the response to the stimulation. They may or may not provide additional cell expansion medications and may add adjunctive treatments. The levels of your response will determine if you would return to the hotel, with little restriction on your activities, or possibly go forward with harvesting and processing your cells.

Day 3:

If the cell count and viability is appropriate for harvest either a bone marrow or adipose collection will be utilized.  We typically use local anesthetics for adults and general anesthesia for youngsters. The entire procedure normally takes less than 30 minutes. Although some pain is felt when the needle is inserted, most patients do not find the bone marrow or adipose collection procedure particularly painful.

We recently placed a number of videos on our website interviewing our patient’s who discuss the procedure and their lack of discomfort.

After the collection you may return to the hotel, with some restrictions. The bone marrow or adipose collected is processed in our contract State-Of-Art laboratory by trained staff, under the supervision of the lab physician.

As an alternative to the above, cord blood may be used based on the patient’s individual medical condition and options.

Day 4:

At the clinic or at the hospital you will be treated by IV infusion and/or a lumbar puncture, which injects the stem cells into the cerebrospinal fluid. This route transports the cells into the spinal canal and the brain directly influencing the nervous systems, thereby eliminating the brain/blood barrier. If a lumbar puncture is performed, the patient will be required to restrict their activities and potentially spend the day in the hospital or at their hotel.

Day 5:

At the clinic or hospital the patient will receive a post-treatment examination and evaluation prior to their release. Additional therapy and treatments may also be utilized to maximize the placement and activities of the procedure.

Day 6: Optionally there may be the use of additional ancillary therapies to enhance the procedure.

What makes our treatment different ?

Our approach includes stimulation, prior to collection, processing and expansion of the cell along with the use of growth factors, together with an integrated medical approach. This maximizes the growth and implantation potentials yielding optimized potentials of making changes in your disease.

Our staff physicians are all board certified, in their field with years of experience. Your team includes both primary and ancillary care professionals devoted to maximizing your benefits from the procedures. We enroll you in an open registry to track your changes independently, for up to 20 years.

As our patient we also keep you abreast of the newest developments in stem cell research. This is an ongoing relationship to maintain and enhance your health.

Our promise is to provide you with travel and lodging support, access to bilingual staff members throughout the entire process and most importantly the best medical care possible.

References and Articles:

Stem Cell Therapy for Autism Journal of Translational Medicine 2007, 5:30Thomas E Ichim, et al“Cord blood CD34+ cells are known to be potent angiogenic stimulators, having demonstrated positive effects in not only peripheral ischemia, but also in models of cerebral ischemia. Additionally, anecdotal clinical cases have reported responses in autistic children receiving cord blood CD34+ cells. We propose the combined use of MSC and cord blood CD34+cells may be useful in the treatment of autism.”

1. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th, text revision (DSM-IV-TR ed. 2000. ISBN 0890420254 Diagnostic criteria for 299.00 Autistic Disorder.

2. Autism.  Lancet. 2009;374(9701):1627­38. LevySE,MandellDS,SchultzRT

3. Identification and evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorders Johnson CP, Myers SM, Council on Children with Disabilities.

4.Pediatrics.  2007;120(5):1183­215. doi:10.1542/peds.2007-23614. Abrahams BS, Geschwind DH. Advances in autism genetics: on the threshold of a new neurobiology

5.. The teratology of autism.Arndt TL, Stodgell CJ, Rodier PM Int J Dev Neurosci. 2005;23(2­3):189­99. doi:10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2004.11.001

6. Incidence of autism spectrum disorders: changes over time and their meaning. Acta Paediatr. 2005;94(1):2­15. Rutter M.

7. Vaccines and autism: * Doja A, Roberts W. Immunizations and autism: a review of the literature.

Can J Neurol Sci. 2006;33(4):341­6.Vaccines and autism: a tale of shifting hypotheses Gerber JS, Offit PA

Broken trust:lessons from the vaccine­autism wars Gross L. A Clin Infect Dis. 2009;48(4):456­61.

Parents ask:Am I risking autism if I vaccinate my children? Paul R. J Autism Dev Disord. 2009;39(6):962­3.

The epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders Newschaffer CJ, Croen LA, Daniels J et al