NAVI MUMBAI: A forum group in Navi Mumbai conducted a question and answer session at Vashi to clear that there is no proof of stem cell therapy cure for autism. Around 100 parents of autistic children were part of the session held at Sunshine Autistic School in Vashi organised by the Forum for Autism group on Saturday. Guest speaker Dr Tatyana Dias, a PhD in neurobiology from the University of Edenburgh, UK, said, "All traditional therapies like occupational therapy, speech Therapy and special education are evidence-based which means they have been proved to be effective through immense research and practice. Whereas stem cell therapy is in research stage, its effectiveness is strongly doubted, even its practice is banned in many countries and if practised, it is done in labs and under strict regulations. In India at present there is no particular body or law to regulate stem cell research." Babita Raja, secretary, Forum for Autism, said, "Parents run from pillar to post for their children's treatment. We are hoping that this awareness programme would help them in deciding what they want to try."

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'No proof that stem cell therapy can cure autism' - Times of India