Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact socially, and perceive their environment. Ongoing research continues to explore innovative therapies to support children and adults with autism, aiming to enhance their communication abilities and social functioning. Among the emerging approaches, Stem Cell Autism Treatment Trials are gaining attention as a promising method to target core biological factors linked to ASD, including chronic inflammation, immune system irregularities, and disrupted neural connectivity.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition associated with brain development and dysfunction that affects the way a person perceives and socializes with others. Over time, it can lead to difficulty adapting within society. For example, people with ASD may have trouble interacting socially or with classmates at school or work. Symptoms of autism in children often appear during the first year of life.
The disorder also includes limited and repetitive behavioral patterns. The term spectrum in ASD refers to a wide range of symptoms and their severity. It must be highlighted that autism is not a disease because we usually resort to treating diseases and reaching a cure, but in autism the goal is not to cure, but to find ways to help recognize and maximize the child’s strengths while managing any challenges they may face, as they may excel in certain areas and need more support in other areas compared to their neurotypical peers.
The most common symptoms of autism include the following:
- Speaking in an unfamiliar tone or cadence and repeating words and phrases
- Lack of eye contact and lack of response when called by name
- Repetitive behaviors such as rocking or hand flapping
- Sticking to a strict routine and being annoyed by changes
- Fascinated by the minutiae without understanding the overall purpose
- Excessive sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
- Not showing emotions or understanding other people’s feelings
- Difficulties understanding facial expressions and body language
- Social isolation and a preference for playing alone
- Difficulty starting or following a conversation
- Delay or loss of speech and language skills
- Excessive food selectivity
As they mature, some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) become more interactive with others and show fewer behavioral disturbances. Some may eventually lead normal or near-normal lives. However, others continue to face numerous difficulties and challenges, such as:
- Problems adapting to different social situations
- Difficulty accessing education or school integration
- Stress within the family as a result of daily difficulties
- Difficulties in learning and acquiring new skills
- Challenges in finding a suitable job
- Inability to live independently
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Risk of being harmed or bullying
Diagnostic methods before stem cell therapy
- Developmental examination: The first step in diagnosing autism in infants is routine check-ups. Typically, a doctor conducts an autism screening at 18 and 24 months of age, assessing basic skills such as learning abilities, speech development, as well as behavior and movement.
- Comprehensive behavioral assessment: Diagnosing autism in children involves a comprehensive assessment to determine the child’s cognitive skills and language abilities as well as the extent to which they are able to perform daily living skills such as eating, dressing, and going to the bathroom on their own.
- Recommend genetic testing to check for genetic conditions such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome.
- Other tests and examinations may help rule out similar conditions and aid in diagnosis, such as Hearing and vision tests, blood tests, and genetic tests.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells: A special type of pluripotent cell, capable of differentiating into different types of specialized cells within the body such as nerve, muscle, or other cells. They have the ability to self-renew, repair damaged tissues, and regulate immune responses. They are found in several places in the body such as:Bone marrow, adipose tissue, blood, and umbilical cord.
Types of stem cells used in autism stem cell therapy trials
The types of stem cells used in autism stem cell therapy trials include:
- Embryonic Stem Cells: Very high differentiation potential, but ethically controversial, and increase the likelihood of complications such as uncontrolled cell growth.
- Adult Stem Cells: Often derived from bone marrow or adipose tissue, they are relatively safe and are used in many clinical trials.
- Umbilical Cord Stem Cells: Characterized by a high proliferation rate and strong immunological effect, they are one of the most promising sources for the treatment of neurological disorders such as autism.
How stem cell autism treatment trials work
The mechanism of the autism stem cell therapy trials is that these cells are able to reduce inflammation and improve the functioning of the immune system. Autism is thought to be associated with inflammation and immune system issues, so it is hypothesized that injecting these cells helps reduce the symptoms of autism. Stem cell therapy is a promising pathway to improve neural connectivity in autism by reducing brain inflammation, as mesenchymal stem cells from the umbilical cord exert anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory effects.
Autism stem cell therapy trials have elucidated a potential role for the activity of these cells through their paracrine effects, especially adenosine signaling, which may contribute to calming neuroinflammation, restoring neurotransmitter balance, and improving brain function in individuals with autism. Autism stem cell therapy trials can be summarized in three main points:
- Reduce neuroinflammation
- Promote nerve cell growth
- Improved communication between neurons
The number of stem cell therapy sessions usually ranges from 1 to 3 sessions over several months, depending on the child’s response to the treatment and the discretion of the treating doctor. Some doctors may repeat some sessions after 6 weeks to optimize the effectiveness of the treatment.
Age groups suitable for autism stem cell therapy trials
The appropriate age range for autism stem cell therapy trials is often two to three years old, when brain cells are more likely to respond to treatment. Adolescents and adults with autism can also benefit from this treatment, but the results may be less clear compared to young children
Comparison of stem cell therapy for autism with other treatment methods
The following table shows a comparison of different treatment methods for autism:
| Treatment | Age group | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stem cells | Children from 2 years old, teens and adults | Improve communication, behavior, and social skills | High cost, mixed results, no official adoption, needs more studies |
| Behavioral therapies | Children and adolescents | Learn new skills and reduce challenging behaviors | Does not address the causes of autism, or possible side effects |
| Educational treatments | Children and adolescents | Enhancing social and communication skills | Requires a specialized team, incremental results |
| Family remedies | All ages | Supporting the family in improving interaction with the child | Depends on family commitment, mixed results |
| Other therapies (speech, occupational, physical) | Children and adolescents | Improve communication, mobility, and daily skills | Limited impact on core autism behaviors |
| Medicines | All ages | Relieve associated symptoms (hyperactivity, anxiety) | Does not address the causes of autism, possible side effects |
The expected benefits of stem cell therapy trials for autism
- Improving communication and language in children and adults with autism
- Reduce aggressive and impulsive behaviors
- Enhance focus, social, and interactive skills
- Relative safety with relatively few side effects according to early trials
Risks and Challenges for Autism Stem Cell Trials
- There is no official FDA or WHO approval yet.
- Different outcomes and degrees of effectiveness between patients.
- The high cost of treatment in most centers.
- More long-term research is needed to accurately assess efficacy and safety.
The cost of autism treatment with stem cells in Turkey
The cost of autism treatment with stem cells in Turkey ranges between 6,000 and 11,400 USD, depending on the clinic and medical procedure, as this cost is 40-60% lower compared to Western countries such as Germany and the United States of America.
Stem Cell Autism Treatment Cost Comparison between the World and Turkey
The following table shows the average cost of stem cell treatment for autism in some countries for a year:
| State | Average cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | 5,750 – 25,000 |
| Germany | 12,700 – 30,000 |
| United Kingdom | 2,600 – 65,000 |
| United Arab Emirates | 10,000 – 40,000 |
| Turkey | 5,000 – 19,000 |
Is stem cell therapy for autism approved?
- Pediatric autism stem cell therapy trials: Some families whose children underwent autism stem cell therapy trials reported improvements in social and language skills and reduced aggressive or withdrawn behaviors, while some children had limited or no apparent effect, suggesting that results vary from child to child
- The current medical status of the approval of autism stem cell therapy trials: Currently, stem cell therapy for autism is not officially approved by major scientific bodies such as the FDA or WHO. Medical associations point out that clinical evidence is still limited, and that treatment outcomes vary between individuals.
- Recommend relying on reliable centers only: Since stem cell therapy for autism is still in the research and clinical trials stage, parents are advised to resort only to reliable and accredited medical centers such as Bimarestan, which has a specialized medical team and high-quality equipment and ensures the application of internationally recognized safety protocols, in addition to careful follow-up of children after treatment to assess the results and monitor any possible side effects.
Stem Cell Autism Treatment Trials focus on reducing neuroinflammation, improving brain function, and enhancing neural communication. Some studies have reported partial improvements in social interaction and communication skills. However, this therapy remains experimental, and results differ among individuals. It is essential to stay informed about ongoing research and consult medical professionals and specialized centers before considering any treatment decision.
Sources:
- Qu, J., Liu, Z., Li, L., Zou, Z., He, Z., Zhou, L., Luo, Y., Zhang, M., & Ye, J. (2022). Efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy in children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 10, 897398.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, May 20). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).