National medical commission says no to stem cell therapy in children’s autism treatment

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently recommended against the practise of stem cell therapy (SCT) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This reservation was quantified by experts, it was also noted that the marketing and promotion of the treatment to children with ASD, is a professional misconduct.

“This a big push forward by the NMC and the fact that this was initiated right after many false advertisements made the rounds, is a welcome professional move”, Dr Prabhjot Kaur said. ASD in children is a chronic developmental behavioural disorder in which it becomes hard for children to communicate.

Dr. Kaur is a Consultant in Pediatric Neurology at the Rainbow Children's Hospital, Marathahalli. She informed that children with ASD are “lost in their world” and can have very varied preferences for similarity and to indulge in synchronisation stimulating activities, they are prone to exhibit their likes and dislikes in an extreme fashion.

Most of the treatment action is based in therapies and it is a long process. The treatment and therapy has to brew like a perfect cup of coffee to stage a balance, but the whole process involves parental desperation, she added.

“This is exactly what the SCT preys upon; they pick such desperate parents and begin to manipulate their emotions, as they are desperate to see their child improve. The regulations by the NMC are encouraged by paediatricians and specialists that cater to children suffering from ASD. The regulations are there to make changes of unethical practices and usage of evidence based practices”, she informed.

“The SCT treatment is costly, and the majority of parents come with a common question, can SCT help their child? As wide as the internet is, there is much fake news that surrounds SCT treatment and a regulation will help us counsel parent’s better. The road of Autism is grim, and the chance of change is dependent from individual to individual”, Dr. Kaur added. There are major red flags parents need to check in babies, the doctor warns.

Signs like unable to transcribe their name when called upon, blabbering, lack of eye contact and being incapable of pointing out their forefinger are some of the alarming signs that need to be brought to the doctors knowledge. “The right diagnosis and intervention of treatment in early stages has always given positive results”, she informed.

“Treatment plan should be focussed on speech, occupation and applied behaviour. Some might require sensory integration therapy. Medication help banter hyperactivity, agg ression or issues related to sleep,” Dr. Kaur said.