In 2009, an 8-year-old boy named Kenneth Kelley became one of the first people in the United States to receive stem cell therapy for autism. Kenneth had to travel to Panama for the treatment, which doctors hoped would reduce his autism symptoms.
Some doctors told Kenneth’s parents that his autism was so bad that he might have to be institutionalised. Instead of doing so, they searched for potential cutting-edge treatments, one of which was stem cells.
Kenneth underwent the first cord blood transfusion when he was 8-years-old and returned to the clinic five more times over the next four years. The first positive results were seen within the first year, when his communication skills and ability to read both improved.
Kenneth’s father also suggests that his son’s behaviour improved with the number of tantrums greatly reduced. During the tantrums he would often be kicking and screaming, unable to listen to his parents. After the treatments, Kenneth was able to have conversations with his family members.
The Kelley family say that they are done with treatments for the time being, but if Kenneth’s condition changes they may re-visit the clinic for more treatments.
For parents who have a child with autism, stem cell therapy for autism offers a potential treatment that has already shown positive results.
From: Update on Glenburn Boy Who Underwent Stem Cell Therapy for Autism
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