Is Autism a Disease?

Autism is not an illness in the traditional sense of the word, but rather a so-called neurodiversity — a complex set of various conditions, collectively known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The human brain can function in different ways, and all variations of its functioning have not yet been established. Therefore, disorders represent not pathology, but rather a different way of perceiving and interacting with the world.

Certainly, any disruption in neural development leads to impairments in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Additionally, the symptoms of ASD can vary in severity, and while in mild forms, a person’s behavior may be almost indistinguishable from the norm, severe cases can exhibit many deviations, including developmental delays.

Digital Autism

Moreover, there is even a term today, “digital autism,” which describes excessive and thoughtless use of digital technologies. People who are overly immersed in gadgets, especially children, often experience problems with socialization and emotional development. For example, children with digital autism may have difficulty making eye contact, communicating, and understanding emotions, which resemble the signs of classical autism. In other words, everyone should spend less time staring at computer monitors and smartphone or tablet screens, and parents need to monitor how much time their children spend on these devices, especially at a young age.

Other Aspects to Consider

There are, of course, other aspects to consider:

• Medical Perspective: From a medical perspective, autism, not being a disease, may be accompanied by coexisting conditions such as anxiety, epilepsy, or hypersensitivity, which require medical attention.
• Social Perspective: From a social perspective, the problem is that many people with autism feel like outcasts in the world around them. Society, in turn, is not yet ready to accept special people as they are. Thus, ensuring inclusivity is an important task that has not yet been fully solved.

Success Stories and Innovations

Differences in brain functioning in ASD do not necessarily lead only to difficulties in communication, social interaction, and information processing. Many have achieved significant success — a prime example being Elon Musk, the wealthiest person on the planet, who, by his own admission, has been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, a form of autism. He not only does not feel ashamed of this, but has acknowledged that such a condition helps him think outside the box and focus on his innovative ideas.

Current Treatment Approaches

Currently, there is no treatment that can fully cure autism, but there are various types of therapies that can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with autism. One of the latest advancements is stem cell transplantation — basic “building blocks” of the body that are unspecialized and, as a result, can transform into any other type of cell. When transplanted into the brain, they become healthy counterparts to damaged cells that are malfunctioning. This approach can significantly improve the condition of patients with ASD — their brain starts to function as it was originally intended by nature.

Availability of Therapy

This approach is now widely accepted, but the relevant procedures are only carried out by a few leading clinics around the world, where specialists with high qualifications and extensive experience work, alongside state-of-the-art equipment. One such clinic is the Mardaleishvili Medical Center, where significant progress has been made in autism therapy using stem cells, with positive effects becoming visible quite quickly. It is worth noting that the cost of this effective and safe procedure here is lower than in medical institutions in other countries, and patients can expect comprehensive support when planning their visit.

Take the chance — apply for effective therapy!