A stem cell is a ‘master cell’ in the human body that has the ability to regenerate and to develop itself into many other cells in the human body. A stem cell can take on the form of more than two hundred other cell types in the body and so contributes to the repair and regeneration of body tissue. Stem cells replace cells that die or are damaged and can differentiate into whatever tissue they attach to.

Stem cell therapy uses the transformative capacity of stem cells to treat and prevent disease. Stem cells are injected into the body and work to reintroduce functional cells, improve metabolism, replace lost cells and generate an immune response.
Great caution needs to be taken when assessing the merits of such new and invasive therapies; the risks are not yet fully understood, nor are the rationale for using them. Stem cell therapy is still in its infancy and stem cell therapy and autism is still only in clinical trial.

*It is interesting to note that although the physical aspects of autism are being addressed with autism and stem cell therapy, still there is no understanding of the connection as to why the gut inflammation and poor immune response have such a marked influence on autistic traits. The Polyvagal Theory is the only theory that can succinctly describe why these issues have such a deleterious effect on the autist and why they can produce autistic characteristics such as lack of eye contact and poor social skills.

Therapy dogs for autism can assist with emotional and physical support. Having a solid and reassuring companion is meant to help ease sensory overload and help the autistic child focus and learn to filter out sensory input.

From a vagal perspective, the dog can have a soothing and calming effect on the ‘old vagus’, allowing the child to learn to put the ‘vagal brake’ on and a parasympathetic state to ensue, which can enable a greater capacity for learning and communication.

The biomedical model aims to address nutritional deficiencies with vitamins and micronutrients.

There is much anecdotal evidence to support this approach and more research needs to be done. Until now there has not been a clear understanding of why this kind of approach works so well in those with autism. The polyvagal theory now offers a sound and succinct explanation.

A high school student recently completed a study on biofeedback techniques and autism with outstanding results. After just 18 sessions his adolescent autistic subject showed significant improvement in self-reported calm and lowered heart rate.

The results of the ATEC (Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist) showed strong improvement in sensory and cognitive awareness and a ‘dramatic improvement in sociability’.

This study leads the way to the future in autism treatment. We are beginning to see the connection between the body and autism and studies are now showing a correlation between high resting heart rate and symptoms of autism like anxiety and low sociability.

The work of Dr. Stephen Porges and his Polyvagal Theory has contributed significantly to the shift in emphasis to autism and high alert body states.

With this new assumption, the doors have opened up to the potential for people with autism to live a much brighter, much less physically debilitating life.

Like the above study, the ART program designed by Holly Bridges works to redefine (reframe) what it means to have autism. It works to progressively teach the student techniques to calm, self-soothe and reconnect the mind and body.

When this happens the social, emotional, cognitive and sensory awareness capacity of the individual improves significantly and spontaneously. See the many examples here.

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Berger M. J. (2007) The efficacy of selected biofeedback techniques in mitigating symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder. Biofeedback. 35 pp. 62-68.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23248075
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26341093
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27491489

There is a developing consensus that supports the link between diet and mood within the wider community and, anecdotally, a large proportion of parents attest to dietary intervention being an effective therapy for their autistic children. For many a casein and gluten free diet for autism is now quite common.

The polyvagal theory can provide a framework for understanding the mechanism by which a dietary intervention can be useful, however autism is a multi-faceted issue and a range of approaches are necessary. Always consult your doctor before adopting any dietary changes.

Chelation is an approach that aims to way to remove toxins from the body such as lead or mercury that are thought to be antecedents to autism. Chemicals are ‘flushed’ from the body with a range of other chemicals and it can be a long and drawn out process.

In the US the FDA has issued a caution against do-it-yourself chelation kits as there is some evidence that it can cause harm if not done properly. It can be distressing for the autistic child as well as dangerous, and is not recommended.