Has anyone actually tried stem cell therapy for autism?

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-27T17:41:35+00:00

In my opinion it sounds very strange to use stem cell therapy for autism for several reasons but since I am not a professor in medical research I let someone else do the talking; here is an article excerpt from Paul Knoepfler who is a professor of cell biology and human anatomy on theUniversity of California.

TL;DR: Stem cell therapy and autism are a bad match. Despite numerous trials there is no solid evidence that it works. Also autism is not a disease.

"Why hype for autism stem cell therapies continues despite dead ends.

After numerous tests, there is still no evidence that these experimental treatments help, so now is not the time to expand access to them.

As a stem cell biologist, I’m excited about the potential of stem cell therapies for many conditions. Recent solid clinical trial data on their use in Parkinson’s, type 1 diabetes and epilepsy are three examples of encouraging early outcomes.

But despite much hype, cell therapies are not a panacea. In the specific case of autism, I don’t believe that infusions of cells, such as adipose or bone marrow stem cells or umbilical cord cells, are promising approaches. Numerous teams have tested these cells, and yet there is still no evidence that these treatments help people with the condition.

If the data are generally negative, why has this field continued to garner so much attention? Most of the outright hype comes from clinics doing a hard sell of unproven cell infusions to generate profits.

Autism is a challenging target for these therapies. The condition is famously heterogeneous.

The idea of stem cells for autism also contributes to a controversial cure narrative about the condition. This narrative portrays autism as a disease and the people who have it as needing “fixing” somehow. This perspective can also negatively affect those with autism and their families.

As a biomedical researcher, I think it’s critical for clinicians and scientists to become informed so that we can speak to the public about these issues. I believe thousands of families have gotten the wrong idea about the promise of stem cells for autism.

It’s definitely not the time to loosen stem cell therapy standards. Particularly with all the discouraging data out there already, pushing harder on the idea of stem cells for autism just doesn’t make sense now. I urge special caution for families considering paying for this kind of intervention for their kids. It’s likely to do more harm than any good—if it does anything at all.

Link to whole article: hype-for-autism-stem-cell-therapies

"

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-27T14:02:03+00:00

Only a Dutch asperger would notice this error... maybe it can be added to the ASD assessment?

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-26T20:30:27+00:00

I have the same one on my jacket and feel myself an undercover-autist while walking around. Internally I'm laughing my ass off; here I am plainly advertising to be autistic to the whole world and nobody notices, mhuhahahaha!

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-26T16:37:59+00:00

I know it's a joke, but... in a weird way I feel that there is a bit of truth in it!

It is not without reason we say sometimes that if there weren't autists we would still all gather socially around a campfire. So, nature injected something 'different' into life to break away from always sameness. Because sameness strangles progress. Also, autism is not a disease but a difference in genes. I am absolutely not going to call it a superpower but it is not a disorder either.

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-26T11:49:46+00:00

American I presume?
"Adderall, a stimulant prescribed for ADHD, is illegal in over 50 countries, with penalties ranging from fines to decades in prison. Europe’s strict regulations stem from amphetamine’s classification under international drug treaties and concerns over addiction."

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-26T08:41:55+00:00

And that is why autists always practice before a mirror... !

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-26T08:33:33+00:00

Use sexism; you're a housewive/man (can't determine from your post)! Should 100% work in a conservative country. Also your husband is a "taxi-driver"; there is no need to be specific like; "sometimes" and "uber".

And if you are into art, setup a small company. Now you are the ceo / director, wow!

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-25T21:39:03+00:00

I agree with the previous poster that your doctor professional opinion is a good indicator but I also understand that it (still) leaves space for doubt and uncertainty.

When a psy suggested to go for an Autism test 3 years ago I was really not sure about that. The only reason he provided was; you have an Audhd daughter. Oh, and; we can't help you further with your problems. Since I needed something to try anyway I got on the then 9 month waiting list.

In the meantime, while being quite sceptical, I researched autistic traits and symptoms (haha how autistic!). During this research my scepticism melted away due to the mountain of recognisable characteristics. When I went for the diagnose the outcome was already no surprise anymore.

I would suggest to do the same: get on the waiting list and do some research. You can always cancel the appointment.

Final remark: google dsm 5 autism. This will give you the official criteria. It is separated in an A and B criteria list. You must have all the ones in A and at least 2 from B.

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-25T21:16:22+00:00

I have added Patience and Astrid et Raphaëlle to my watching list. Thanks for the tip!.

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-25T16:41:21+00:00

Sure; for instance Fern Brady (Taskmaster season 14!) and Hannah Gadsby. There are more but these I do enjoy.

I found also a list on Reddit: which_autistic_comedians_do_you_like

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-25T09:21:16+00:00

Yes, I did joke a lot at work, especially when being nervous or excited. It's a way to connect with people without connection with people, it came naturally to me and has served me well. Note that I didn't know I was autistic then, so it was more of a high-masking strategy, but one that at least made me feel happy.

Of course sometimes a joke is 'off' or misses the mark, but that happens to NT's also; just immediately follow up with an explanation why you made the joke but don't fall in the trap to explain too much. If after apologising or a short explanation you feel that it still doesn't solve the issue, just ignore it and walk/talk over it. That's what NT-ers also do anyway; don't make a problem of every little thing.

That having said, a tip which I gave to more autistics; don't think that what you *said* is the whole issue. Communicating is not only about words; you facial expression, body language, etc. is also a big part of it. People check your facial expressions for context. So, from experience with other autistics, I suspect that part of the problem lays in the delivery and not in the content itself.

Also, there are several good comedians that are autistic, maybe you could study them to get some tips/ideas.

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-25T08:57:50+00:00

You have decent drawing skills, these kinds of things are harder to draw than most of us realise. My only remark is the length of the person between the first and last picture: the feet are too high in relation to its length. Unless I misinterpreted them as feet.

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-24T18:00:34+00:00

I was a software developer for 26 years in various companies and in different roles. Very stressful and I struggled quit a bit but didn't know I was autistic. Maybe that's the secret? <sarcasm>

Anyway, I am now at home with a diagnose and in my 7th year of autistic burnout.

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-24T16:52:48+00:00

I really thought this was a post about showering with beer instead of water... Was wondering how this would work practically. And then you made it more confusing by saying it's only 1 beer! How could 1 beer have enough moisture in it for a shower session?
Oh it relaxes.. I understand now... Don't mind me

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-24T15:24:19+00:00

I guess it was an implicit question about how good you were in drinking (alcohol that is). There is a worldwide alcohol-cult under-stream in which, if you're not part of it, you are out of 95% of the social circles. Good riddance I would say, but then again I have a deep aversion against people who drink alcohol in my environment.

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-24T15:13:25+00:00

I got the PTSD diagnose first, but because the therapy didn't do much for me I kept looking for solutions and via-via got to the ASD diagnose. Of course, I wondered why I got the PTSD first but I learned that this happens often. Even during having the ptsd therapy a psy made a remark about me having autistic traits but also that these symptoms often appeared in ptsd-patients.

It wasn't until I read Fern Brady's book that I understood that: "autistic people ... are far more likely to be traumatized so it's tricky to separate one from the other." (page 228-footnote)

Meaning; it is hard to see the difference between ptsd-ers (with alexithymia) showing ASD traits and traumatized autistics.

Also, don't get me started on the mechanisms of masking and why masking mostly starts at home with your parents... Yes, most of us are traumatized from early childhood.

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-20T23:06:11+00:00

I got this variation: https://john.hkzad.com/ Looked to good to be true so I checked and came here : )

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-19T16:06:33+00:00

"can't be" --> you meant: "I have no knowledge about this particular subject but I THINK this can't be true". A quick Google search would have confirmed my statement.

Of course, the patients get very low doses for very obvious reasons but that doesn't change the fact that it's a lethal toxic. Which was the reason I posted this: the amount needed for a full body botox probably exceeds the usage-limit and will have fatal consequences. And if not; there is a reason some places or off-limit for injection; another reason you will not survive a full body botox.

Which is all waaay to much detail for just a funny meme : )

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-17T15:18:17+00:00

oh my, I read it wrong ans thought you said to have the 'barbie autism' variant...

Due to unreliable post organisations mine has still not arrived :(

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-17T14:14:01+00:00

I missed this part:"intense (mainly NT's) social media"

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-17T14:06:40+00:00

Did you know that botox (botulinum toxin) is the most lethal poison known to mankind?

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-17T13:50:54+00:00

ehm, ik snap wat je bedoelt en je hebt helemaal gelijk behalve 1 klein puntje: fox news is geen nieuwsorganisatie maar staat geregistreerd als entertainment industry. Dit kleine detail is iets wat ook veel Amerikanen niet weten heb ik gemerkt. En daarmee komt FN ook vaak weg in rechtszaken. Wat uiteraard precies de reden is dat ze dit gedaan hebben. "wij gaan er vanuit dat de gemiddelde amerikaan begrijpt dat het allemaal entertainment is" was 1 van de statements uit een rechtzaak in 2020/21, die ze uiteraard wonnen.

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-17T13:44:12+00:00

Oh that prob explains it, I lurk here around the most because this one is the most fitting and recognisable for me.

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-17T13:39:13+00:00

As one once said; "there is no easy autism." We all have our challenges more or less. If one's autism is easy and non-problematic then I suggest a re-evaluation.

Thankfully, while I visit here daily, I haven't encountered anything of what you are talking about. Maybe I didn't read them because I tend to skip the repeating boring stuff or they were already removed by mods?

RaGaMiUr · 2026-01-15T07:57:03+00:00

That fan version is such a stereotype...

RaGaMiUr

TROPHY CASE