International neurologist Dr Michael Chez joins Indian Cordlife campaign to combat autism

Autism, a complex neuro development disorder that manifests in children by the age of three, may vary from mild to very severe and is hence, known as Autism Spectrum Disorder.

According to a ToI report, the prevalence rate of autism in India is 1 in 250 (figure may vary as many cases are not diagnosed) and presently, about 10 million people are suffering with the disease in India.

The government only recognised the disorder in 2001, till 1980s, there were reports that Autism didn't exist in India. But now, the Indian government recognises it as a disability.

Various Indian neuro-healthcare institutes are making every possible efforts to spread awareness about the disease and research is on to combat it completely.

Joining the same, Dr Michael Chez, a leading international neurologist from Sutter Neuroscience Institute in USA, has recently partnered with a team of Indian doctors at stem cell bank, Cordlife to find out the treatment of childhood autism using cord blood stem cells.

Commenting on her aim, Dr Chez, said that are a number of research studies being undertaken worldwide to investigate the effects of cord blood stem cells that can potentially restore brain function in people with similar disorders.

He further added that the therapy can potentially decrease disabilities and improve quality of life for millions, if successful.

In India, he was collaborating with physicians to perform pioneering use of the patient's own cord blood stem cells for the treatment of childhood autism.

Significantly, Cord blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following the birth of a newborn is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells, which has proven benefits and is useful in the treatment of over 80 diseases including certain cancers and blood disorders.

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