Surgeon Turns to Stem Cells to Help Treat Autism and Immune Disorders

ORANGE PARK, Fla. — Dr. Eric Weiss, a certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a thriving practice on the outskirts of Jacksonville, Florida, still remembers the moment he realized the transformative effect umbilical cord stem cells could have on those with autism and other immune disorders.

First introduced to stem cell treatment by his wife Christine, who was searching for medical help for their autistic son, Marston, Weiss became intrigued by its possibilities.

Compelled by the research, and the subsequent positive impact stem cell treatment had on his son — a journey chronicled in a book he and his wife subsequently co-authored — Weiss soon incorporated it into his practices.

Studies show that people with autism have neuroinflammation, similar to other immune disorders, which utilize stem cells as a treatment.

With the advance of technology and a better understanding of autoimmune disorders and autism, regenerative medicine has been a proven solution to these seemingly unsolvable health concerns. 

While many people are hesitant to pursue this treatment because of the excessive cost and lack of FDA approval, Weiss says, “I understand these fears because not everyone gets better. But the role of neuro-diseases is changing and this treatment is proven to help patients recover on a cellular level.”

When addressing the FDA concerns, Weiss stressed that the FDA regulates drug companies, not health care, and that stem cell blood has been used in treatment for over 60 years.

The stem cells in the umbilical cord hold abundant powerful cells that help the human body’s healing capabilities. Stem cells work by sending chemical signals to old, damaged or injured cells to restore them. 

However, stem cell research has faced substantial opposition from various cultural and religious groups around the world. The controversies stem from differing beliefs regarding the beginnings of life, the moral status of the embryo and the ethical implications of manipulating human cells.

Most controversial of all has been human embryonic stem cell research, because it involves the destruction of human embryos.

Regarding its efficacy, there have been multiple studies demonstrating the positive results of stem cell treatments in both children and adults. These treatments include remedies for neuro-related health concerns such as:​

• Autism.
• Osteoarthritis. 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis. 
• Wound Repair.
• Aging.
• Traumatic Brain Injury.
• Post-Cancer Chemotherapy.

Weiss’ ultimate goal is to restore wholeness to patients by using stem cells to treat multiple health conditions. He is one of the only physicians in the country to utilize this form of treatment. 

As the human body ages, it works harder to keep you healthy. Those with conditions like autism or other ailments are constantly struggling to find solutions.

As we age, our stem cells begin to die off at an alarming rate:

• By the time you’re a teenager, 90% are gone.
• By age 30: 96% are gone.
• By age 50: 98% are gone.
• By age 80: 99.5% are gone and the ones remaining have less regenerative capabilities.

While stem cells can be found in various places throughout the body, the cells in the umbilical cord are the most useful. It is the least invasive form of stem cell gathering and as a bonus, the umbilical cord is “chock full of them” according to Weiss. 

Today, patients come from all over the world to receive this treatment.

Weiss now dedicates two days a week of his practice to administering stem cell treatment.

There is still much to study regarding stem cell treatment for autism and other neurological diseases, but Weiss points those who are wary back to the science and the literature.

“There have been lab studies, animal studies and human studies that show positive results with this treatment, so I want to do everything I can to help these patients get better,” he said.

With the hope that this treatment becomes a standard form of care, Weiss is learning more every day and helping families and patients who need it most. 

“I thought to myself, why wouldn’t this work for autism? Luckily it has, and now I’m able to help families who have been through the same struggles as my own,” Weiss said. 

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