Cord blood is the blood that's within a baby's umbilical cord, it's richness in hematopoietic stem cells can be used to treat diseases or disorders, like autism. The storage of these stem cells is called cord blood banking, which takes place directly after the child's birth with the intent of potential future use. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has impacted X% of the US population. Symptoms of ASD can start around the age of two or three, impeading on a range of daily functions like social skills and speech, which may potentially culminate into mental health disorders like anxiety or depression. However, research indicates that the proactiviy of cord blood banking can benefit the infants future, if he/she experiences ASD compliactions.

In an initial study researchers at the renowned Duke University in North Carolina showed that cord blood infusions were safe and that the majority of children had improvements in one or more core symptoms of autism. Now, the same team performed a randomized study (where the infusion of cord blood was compared to a placebo), and demonstrated significant improvements in certain subgroups of ASD children regarding communication, attention, EEG brain scans and general improvement. No significant adverse events occurred, and mild infusion reactions such as hives were easily resolved with additional treatment. 

Currently, cord blood stem cells are used to treat blood cancers such as leukemias and lymphomas as well as other disorders of the blood and immune system. However, they are also under investigation for the treatment of other diseases, including cardiovascular, metabolic and neuro-psychiatric disorders, including autism.