Autism, a Disorder that appears in the first three years of life, affects the brain’s development and impacts social and communication skills.1 While the exact causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are unknown, research suggests that both genes and environment play important roles.2
Today, Autism impacts so many lives, and there is currently no cure. That’s why here at ViaCord, spreading awareness about ASD is something that we are proud to do.
Not only do we show our support by Lighting It Up Blue, but we also are honored to support an ongoing FDA Approved Phase I Clinical Research Trial at Duke University that involves assessing the safety of infusing patients diagnosed with ASD with their own cord blood stem cells.
This research is designed to better understand this complex disorder that affects so many families. For more information about Autism and cord blood and this specific study, visit our site.
References: 1. Pub Med Health, "Autism: Pervasive developmental disorder - autism; Autism spectrum disorder. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002494/ 2. National Institute of Mental Health: What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
