Frequently Asked Questions

We use stem cells from the umbilical cord blood and tissue.

The Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) Stem Cells contain five types of healing cells—hematopoietic, neural, endothelial, epithelial, and mesenchymal stem cells.

The Umbilical Cord Tissue (Wharton’s Jelly) Stem Cells contains 100% mesenchymal stem cells (compared to UCB, which has only ~3% mesenchymal stem cells).

Yes, the treatment is generally very safe. There are no known long-term side effects from using umbilical cord stem cells.

• In rare cases—about 2% of children—mild, short-term effects like low-grade fever or a light rash may occur. These usually pass within a day and are easily managed with over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Benadryl.
• Around 20% of children may experience a temporary increase in certain behaviors—such as aggression, hyperactivity, or stimming—typically for a few weeks after treatment. This is not uncommon and always returns to baseline. In fact, most children see significant improvement shortly afterward.

No, there are no known long-term risks associated with umbilical cord stem cell therapy. These cells have been used safely for over 60 years in treating more than 80 diseases that is approved by the FDA. The product is carefully screened, and the safety profile is excellent.

People of every age can benefit from UCB stem cells. We have treated over 700 patients from 2 to 88 years old. We do stem cell therapy for autism, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), traumatic brain injury (TBI), diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, wound repair, general health/anti-aging and more.

Many studies show that children with autism have significant brain inflammation. This has been confirmed through spinal fluid testing, PET scans, and even autopsies. While inflammation isn't the only factor, it's a major one—and it’s something we can treat medically.

The stem cells are administered through an IV all at once. Once the IV line is secured, we will run some saline, bring the stem cells to room temperature (which takes about 7 minutes), then inject them directly into the IV line. You can expect the entire appointment to be about an hour.

If the stem cells are for a child, we can do the procedure with or without sedation. Using sedation will add about an hour to your appointment time. Sedation options are available at no additional charge.

We use Ketamine and/or Versed (Midazolam) via an intramuscular shot. Due to its safe profile. Both drugs have amnestic properties which helps to make the process less traumatic for kids.

Most young children—especially those with sensory issues or anxiety—do better with light sedation. The sedation is quick, safe, and wears off within an hour. We use it in about 80% of cases to ensure a calm and smooth experience.

Dosage is based on your child’s weight. Studies show that more than 1 million stem cells per kilogram of body weight are needed for results. For example, one vial of cord blood contains 30 million cells—enough for a child weighing around 30 kilograms. Your doctor will calculate the appropriate amount.

We follow the Duke University protocol, which recommends starting with one treatment and observing the response. About 40% of families return for a second treatment after 6–7 months, especially if they see strong results and want to build on them. Any improvements made are permanent, no regression is observed.

The entire visit usually takes about one hour. That includes meeting with the doctor, reviewing the plan, and completing the treatment. Most children are awake and back to normal shortly afterward.

About 65–70% of children experience meaningful improvement after stem cell treatment. Some see dramatic gains in speech, focus, or social interaction. Others improve more gradually. Every child is different, but the potential is significant.

We have treated over 700 children.

Improvements may include better speech, increased eye contact, improved focus, reduced aggression, and less anxiety. Some kids start talking more, others sleep better, or engage more socially. Results vary, but many families see life-changing benefits.

Results are variable. We have seen results in as little as a few days, but it does take some time for the cells to set up residence in the body and start producing exosomes. We believe a reasonable time frame is 2-4 weeks but could take up to 2-3 months. Please note that results are not guaranteed, while 65-75% of people do see improvements, not everybody benefits.

Yes. Studies show that improvements in autistic symptoms typically begin around one month after treatment and continue to increase over the following six months. Around the six-month mark, progress tends to reach a plateau — meaning the gains stabilize — but importantly, there is no regression.

This suggests that the benefits of treatment are sustained over time, offering long-term improvements in areas like speech, behavior, focus, and emotional regulation.

Yes. Many parents report a noticeable reduction in anxiety after treatment. Children may become calmer, less rigid, and better able to handle transitions or frustration. This is likely due to the stem cells reducing brain inflammation and improving communication between brain regions.

No, it can help teens and even young adults. While younger brains tend to be more adaptable, we’ve seen significant progress in older children too—especially in areas like anxiety, social interaction, and executive function. Every case is evaluated individually.

Yes. Many children on the spectrum experience increased aggression during puberty due to hormonal changes and brain inflammation. Stem cell therapy can help reduce inflammation and improve emotional regulation, often leading to calmer behavior.

Stem cell treatment may offer some benefit for children with genetic syndromes, particularly when inflammation or detoxification issues are involved. While research is still early, some families have reported improvements. Each case should be reviewed carefully with your doctor.

No, blood typing isn’t necessary. All red blood cells are removed from the stem cell product. The remaining solution contains only the active stem cells and plasma, making it safe for all children regardless of blood type.

No, we cannot use personally stored stem cells.

Yes. Most families fly home the next day. If you need to travel the same day, we recommend scheduling the treatment in the morning so there’s a few hours of observation before your flight or drive. There are no travel restrictions after the procedure.

The total cost depends on your child’s weight and the number of vials needed. For smaller children, the cost may be around $8,000. For older or heavier children requiring more cells, the cost can range up to $15,000. A detailed plan is provided after your consultation.

Currently, insurance does not cover umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy for autism, as it is still classified as an investigational treatment in the U.S.

However, we do offer flexible financing options through CareCredit. Depending on your family’s eligibility, you may be able to pay for treatment over a period of up to 36 months, making it more accessible and manageable.

The FRAT test (Folate Receptor Antibody Test) is a blood test that checks for antibodies that block your child’s ability to absorb folate, a critical nutrient for brain development and cellular function.

About 50% of autistic patients have autoantibodies to the folate receptor, making the incorporation of folate into the cells impossible. Folate is especially needed in brain cells for adequate function. Folinic acid (Leucovorin) enter the cell through a different mechanism, is converted to folate, and then folate metabolism can proceed normally. Multiple blinded placebo-controlled studies exist demonstrating benefit of folinic acid in this population.

If the test is positive through the FRAT test, we prescribe folinic acid (Leucovorin), a medical-grade supplement that bypasses the blocked pathway and helps restore normal brain chemistry. It’s often used in combination with stem cell therapy to enhance cognitive and behavioral outcomes.

If parents would like to have this test performed, we provide a physician order to the parents to purchase the test online.

Once ordered, the kit will be shipped to your home. Bring the kit with you on the day of the stem cell procedure — we can draw the blood sample at the same time, making the process easier for your child.

The gut health test is a simple urine test that checks for gut dysbiosis—an imbalance of bacteria in the digestive system. About 80% of kids with autism have it, and it’s linked to behaviors like anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity. Treating gut dysbiosis can improve outcomes and make stem cell treatment more effective.

The test can be purchased online at www.analutos.com, perform the test, and mail back to the laboratory.

If gut dysbiosis is confirmed, it can be treated in a fairly simple way. Dysbiosis is treated with FMT (fecal microbial transfer), a simple procedure that includes oral antibiotic and anti-yeast that are not absorbed and stay in the GI tract; followed by oral microbes for 3-4 months. The results are amazing in early studies (95% reduction in gut symptoms, 47% reduction in autism symptoms).

Not always—but they help personalize the treatment plan. If blood draws are difficult, we can often begin folinic acid before the stem cell treatment and draw blood for the test during sedation on the day of treatment. The gut test is non-invasive and done at home, so it's easy to complete ahead of time.

Yes, stem cell treatment is legal in the United States and is an approved therapy for over 60 different medical conditions, including certain cancers, blood disorders, and immune deficiencies. When it comes to autism, stem cell therapy is considered off-label, meaning it’s not yet FDA-approved specifically for this condition. However, using FDA-regulated stem cell products in a medical setting under a physician’s supervision is fully legal and commonly practiced, especially when families are seeking innovative, personalized care options.

The key differences come down to safety, regulation, and scientific integrity.

In the U.S., our clinic uses FDA-regulated, minimally manipulated umbilical cord stem cell products. That means we do not expand, multiply, or alter the cells in any way — ensuring they remain as biologically safe and potent as when they were originally harvested from ethically donated, full-term births. Every batch is rigorously tested for sterility, viability, and potency.

In contrast, many overseas clinics expand or manipulate stem cells in ways that are not permitted in the U.S. Studies have shown that after a certain number of lab replications (called “passages”), stem cells can begin to mutate, potentially reducing their effectiveness — or worse, increasing safety risks.