“Companions” of Autism: Who Are They and How to Overcome Them?

Autism is frequently accompanied by comorbid conditions—illnesses that are not direct causes or consequences of the disorder, but which significantly impact quality of life.

1. Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
   Found in 35–40% of individuals with autism, especially those with cognitive impairments or genetic syndromes. Seizures may begin in childhood or adolescence and require a comprehensive treatment plan.
2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
   Diagnosed in 25–35% of autistic children, ADHD is marked by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms intensify behavioral and social challenges.
3. Gastrointestinal Disorders
   Present in 30–70% of autistic individuals, including chronic constipation, diarrhea, reflux, food intolerances, gastritis, colitis, and metabolic disruptions. These issues are often linked to selective eating habits common in autism—children may reject foods based on texture, taste, or even appearance.
4. Psychiatric Disorders
   A wide range is observed. Depression and anxiety affect up to 50%, particularly during adolescence. Obsessive-compulsive disorder appears as intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Self-directed aggression can stem from communication difficulties or sensory overload. ADHD occurs in 30–60%, epilepsy in 5–30% (especially in severe autism with intellectual disability), and the risk of schizophrenia is higher than in neurotypical individuals.
5. Sleep Disorders
   Affecting 50–80% of people with autism, sleep problems include insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and apnea. Causes may be physiological (like gastroesophageal reflux) or behavioral.
6. Genetic Anomalies
   Identified in 10–15% of autistic children, including fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and Angelman syndrome. These require specific diagnostics and targeted therapy.
7. Cognitive Impairments
   Observed in 40–60% of autistic individuals of all ages, developmental delays influence learning and adaptability. Intellectual disability is diagnosed less often, in about 30% of cases.
8. Speech and Communication Disorders
   These include echolalia (repeating words and phrases), delayed or absent speech (in 25–30% of cases), and difficulty understanding abstract concepts. Often evident in early childhood when therapy can be especially effective.
9. Sensory Processing Disorders
   More than 90% of autistic individuals experience hypersensitivity to sound, light, touch, and texture—or the opposite, hyposensitivity. These disruptions affect quality of life and can cause anxiety and behavioral outbursts.
10. Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Disorders
    Quite common in autism. Studies show links between autism and frequent ear infections, snoring, and hearing loss. For example, children with ear discharge are three times more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
11. Immune and Metabolic Disorders
    Immune system dysfunction and metabolic irregularities are frequent. Autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease and type 1 diabetes are common. Many also experience excess or insufficient weight due to food selectivity and sedentary lifestyles.

Autism is associated with other medical and psychiatric conditions in approximately 70% of cases. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnostic approach and personalized treatment plan are essential. However, the primary focus should remain on addressing the autism itself, as its improvement increases the success rate of treating comorbid conditions.

Cell Therapy: An Innovative and Effective Approach

One of the most effective and rapid methods to manage neurodevelopmental disorders is innovative cell therapy. This safe, minimally invasive, and natural method has almost no contraindications and works by activating the body’s own regenerative capabilities. It involves the transplantation of the patient’s own stem cells, eliminating the risk of rejection. These cells then transform into healthy replacements for damaged ones.

Positive results are often noticeable shortly after the procedure: improved brain and nervous system function, stable behavior, accelerated overall and specific development, and reduced or eliminated symptoms of autism. These effects are long-lasting, sometimes lifelong, enhancing the effectiveness of other therapeutic interventions.

Thanks to its advantages, cell therapy—already widely recognized—may become the primary method of treating autism and its symptoms in the future. It is currently available in leading clinics around the world, including the Mardaleishvili Medical Center. This clinic is staffed by highly qualified doctors with extensive successful experience in stem cell therapy for autism across different age groups. They use cutting-edge equipment to achieve the best therapeutic results. Treatment costs are lower than in other countries with advanced healthcare systems. Additionally, the clinic offers assistance with travel planning and rehabilitation arrangements when needed.

Cell therapy is the way to overcome autism and the conditions that accompany it!