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I take great pleasure meeting many patients we help recover from serious injuries and ease symptoms of debilitating diseases so they can improve their lives through advanced stem cell therapy. In some cases, these patients report that after treatment they feel more energy a sense of vitality they enjoyed in their youth.

But what about patients who are young children some facing a future so uncertain that they may never even learn to talk, let alone enjoy a long rewarding life.

Thats the pain all too many parents cope with when their children are diagnosed with autism, or more specifically, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). This spectrum of neurological conditions is seen in young children who dont seem to develop normalsocial, communication and behavioral skills.

Thats a vague description, I know, but that makes a diagnosis of ASD even more frustrating. Some children may function relatively well, but not make friends easily or demonstrate odd speech patterns. Others may not even be able to make eye contact or communicate at all, making the idea of going to school, let alone graduate and lead an independent life, seem impossible. Its not a rare condition, either. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, ASD now affects about 1 out of 54 children in the United States.

Research shows that the earliertreatment can begin, the better. And the evidence is growing that stem cell therapy can help alleviate the symptoms for many children who suffer from ASD. Thats why Im so pleased that our advanced stem cell therapies can help more children who suffer from ASD enjoy a much brighter future.

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Current therapies for autism mostly include medications such as SSRIs, anxiolyticsand mood stabilizers. Although medications may decrease intensity and frequency of symptoms, they do not address the root causes of autistic disorders, which research shows can result from oxygen deprivation and intestinal inflammation.

The rationale behind treating autism with stem cells is that autism, and its degree of severity, has been significantly correlated to inflammatory and neuro-inflammatory cytokines. Intravenous administration of umbilical cord-derived stem cells has been shown in multiple clinical trials to reduce inflammation. Reducing inflammation in the autistic patient may alleviate symptoms of autism.

Heres one heartwarming story that reveals how stem cells offer new hope to parents of children with ASD. Back in June at age 19, Kenneth graduated from high school.

That may not seem like much of an accomplishment, but Kenneth was diagnosed with ASD at age two. When he was eightyears old, his parents say he was still in diapers and struggled to even communicate, but thats when he started receiving stem cell treatments.

His parents report that stem cells made a big difference. His mother, Marty Kelley, noted improvement within days of his first treatment. And his father Donald Kelley said, when you see that your child has been blessed with stem cell treatments and the improvement, its just a dream come true.

No, its not just a dream. Its based on science and research into how the body tries to heal itself naturally using stem cells.

As Kenneth says about the treatments, they put a little needle in, its not too bad. Thats a keen observation on another aspect of stem cell therapy that its a non-invasive procedure that poses little risk of side effects.

Related:This Is HowStem-Cell TherapyTreats Serious Brain Injuries

Although scientists arent sure exactly what causes ASD, our Chief Medical Officer Karolynn Halpert points out that these disorders are associated with the process of how the body modulates immune response and controls inflammation, but that stem cells have the ability to communicate with the immune system and release anti-inflammatory factors that can help reduce brain inflammation (neuroinflammation).

Dr. Halpert also explains that inflammation in the digestive system can also interfere with neurological function. Indeed, that phrase, gut feeling,isnt just an expression. Researchers have confirmed that the gut and the brain are linked in a gut-brain axisthat creates complex interactions in neurological functioning in ways that are not fully understood.

Some research suggests that autistic spectrum disorders may cause a heightened level of inflammation throughout the gastrointestinal tract, which can aggravate symptoms. There is significant evidence, however, that inflammation is controlled by stem cells. Thats why it helps promote healing and ease pain for patients we treat for a wide range of injuries such as TBI, and diseases such as autoimmune disorders, degenerative disc disease and many others all that can cause too much harmful inflammation.

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As Dr. Halpert points out, stem cells help other cells signal each other more effectively replacing cells in the digestive system and throughout the body to balance immune response and control inflammation to potentially help children with autistic symptoms improve thinking and cognitive function.

Thats good news for ASD patients and their parents, especially with advanced stem cell therapy now available using ourproprietary protocols to culture the most potent cells. These cells are harvested from donated umbilical cords, which are rich in a specific type of stem cell mesenchymal stem cells. These cells are then screened for specific biomarkers that indicate high potency. Only cells that meet the criteria for high levels of potency are then reproduced into infusions that are given to patients a non-invasive therapy thats like Kenneth describes just a little needle.

As autistic spectrum disorder cases become more commonly diagnosed in children at younger ages, its essential to identify these cases early so treatment can begin as soon as possible. Its clear that the earlier treatment begins, the more likely it is that these children can enjoy better lives in the years ahead.

So congratulations Kenneth on your recent graduation. You earned your diploma. Your parents are proud of you. I am, as well. You and other ASD patients are an inspiration for our entire team to help others like you not only graduate from school but live a life filled with as much joy as possible.

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The Promise of Stem Cells to Help Children with Autism - Entrepreneur