Stem Cell Treatment for Autism in Costa Rica

Hi
Has anyone heard of stem cell treatments for Autism being used in Costa Rica? Is there research in the US that is dealing with this possibility?
The information I can find is all anecdotal and any insights on this is appreciated.
Thanks
Tia Tanz

Hi Tia Tanz, and welcome to IAN.

Research in stem cells as a potential treatment for autism is at the "mouse model" stage. That is where they are exploring possibilities by working with mice. It is nowhere near the point where human clinical trials have been performed and evidence accumulated to show that this is a safe or effective treatment for autism.

For example, a 2006 grant to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School described on the Autism Speaks website was entitled: Can stem cells be used to treat autism? The goal of the research: "Animal model stem cell research is anticipated to identify the source for stem cells that have the most likelihood of success in reversing ASD brain cell damage, and to provide initial evidence of whether stem cell therapy may be feasible in humans with ASD."

To read the entire passage, go here: http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/research/grants/dana_grants_2006.php

Stem cell treatments are being marketed by labs in China and Costa Rica for large sums of money, but these should be considered untested and unproven treatments. Although you need a subscription to read the entire article, you can at least see the beginning of a Wall Street Journal article entitled "Seeking Hope in Chinese Stem Cells:
Treatments May Not Work or Even Be Safe, But Dozens Make the Trek Each Month" here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118334242884354943.html

As we say in our article on "Evaluating Treatments":

As in all areas of modern life, beware of hype. Of course, you must pay something for most treatments, but if claims are being made by people who are trying to sell you something, take that into account. As a consumer, you have been constantly exposed to people who are working very hard to get you to buy everything from cars to weight loss programs. Use the same instincts you have developed as a consumer in general to make judgments about autism treatments. Know that your desperation may be viewed by some as a business opportunity, proceed with caution, and temper hope with skepticism.

You can find the entire "Evaluating Treatments" article here: http://www.iancommunity.org/cs/therapies_treatments/evaluating_treatments