Unapproved stem cell infusions for autistic children spreading in US with RFK Jr's backing
Autistic children as young as 18 months are receiving unapproved and unproven stem cell treatments in the US, promoted by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr despite warnings from scientists and FDA about risks and lack of evidence.
Unproven therapy proliferates across US
Clinics in Florida, Texas, and other states are offering umbilical cord stem cell infusions to families with autistic children, charging up to $20,000 per treatment. The procedure, which often involves sedation with ketamine, promises improvements in speech, social skills, and behavior—but scientific evidence is lacking.
A placebo-controlled trial by Duke University involving 180 children found only insignificant benefits. The FDA warns parents that such treatments outside approved trials are likely deceptive and illegal, with reported complications including blindness, tumors, and infections.
RFK Jr's role
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has defunded $31 million in autism research, fired federal health officials, and undermined scientific advisors. At the same time, he has backed alternative providers, appearing via video at Autism Health summits in San Diego.
Notable providers include Malaysian physician Mike Chan, who injects children with stem cells from slaughtered sheep and rabbits. Kennedy also appointed Tracy Slepcevic, a proponent of alternative autism therapies, to the Autism Coordinating Committee.
New initiatives and commercial ventures
A new clinical trial in Tijuana, Mexico, will inject 120 autistic children with umbilical cord stem cells, led by Ed Clay of Cellular Performance Institute. The trial is free and licensed under Mexican authorities, with a $2 million investment.
In Miami, Better Stem, run by entrepreneur Greice Murphy, charges $300 for consultation and up to $15,000 per infusion for autistic children. The clinic claims legality under the Right-to-Try Act, but legal experts say the law applies only to terminal illnesses, not autism.
Families like Taylor from Utah are paying thousands out-of-pocket for their children. Her four-year-old son Ollie, who is non-speaking and has high-support needs, will receive an infusion in Florida for $12,500 raised through donations. Taylor says she feels compelled to try, despite criticism from relatives.
